Jefferson County Announces Passage of Parks and Recreation Levy

Jefferson County voters have approved Proposition No. 1, the County Parks & Recreation Levy, during the August 4, 2026, Primary Election. The measure was placed on the ballot by the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners through a Resolution adopted on April 27, 2026. It will be effective pending certification of the election results by the Jefferson County Auditor’s Office on August 18.

The approved levy lid lift will establish a dedicated six-year funding source for Jefferson County parks, recreation, community centers, the County Fairgrounds, and the 4-H Youth Development Program. It authorizes a regular property tax rate of $0.21 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation for 2027. This amount will be used to compute the levy changes for 2028 through 2032. The County estimates the levy will generate approximately $2.1 million in 2027 to support parks, recreation, and community services that are provided by Jefferson County but are not mandated under state law. Qualifying seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are exempted from this portion of the County general levy. 

“We’ve received a clear mandate, asking the county to prioritize and support youth, elder and family programming, community spaces to convene and play, and preservation of our rural character through parks, agricultural education, and outdoor recreation,” says District 1 County Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette.

Public Works Director Eric Kuzma adds that “by passing this levy, our community has demonstrated how deeply it values Jefferson County Parks and Recreation. With this sustainable funding secured, we now have a strong foundation to ensure our facilities and programs will thrive for years to come.”

The revenue generated through the levy will be administered in accordance with Washington State law and the provisions approved by the voters. Jefferson County extends its appreciation to all residents who participated in the election and to the Jefferson County Auditor's Office Elections Division for administering the election process.

For additional information about the levy, visit Jefferson County’s Parks and Recreation Levy webpage: co.jefferson.wa.us/1969/Parks-Rec-Levy.