Proposed Local Option Levy

Willamalane has referred a measure to the May 19, 2026, ballot. If passed, measure 20-384 would authorize a new property tax that would help pay for current park and recreation operations, including park safety, recreation programs, and wildfire prevention efforts. 

This is the first time the district has sought a local option levy to fund general operations since the district's permanent tax rate was established in 1997.

If passed, how much would the measure cost?

The proposed levy would cost property owners $0.25 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The owner of a home assessed at $196,803 would pay $4.10 per month or $49.20 per year. The property tax would continue for five years and raise a total of $8,427,029. Annual independent audits, monthly reporting, and expenditures would be reviewed by the board and budget committee. 

How would the measure affect Willamalane's services? 

The proposed levy would help bridge funding gaps to preserve current levels of service. The district would continue to seek additional revenue strategies to support long-term sustainability and close budget gaps. These include

What happens if the measure does not pass?

Programs and services would not be provided as proposed, and property taxes would not be increased.

Questions and Answers

When is the election?

Election Day is Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The voter registration deadline is April 28. On April 29, ballots will be mailed to registered voters, and official ballot drop-off sites will open. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by election day. Ballots deposited in an official drop box must be received by 8 p.m.

You can check your registration status, update your information, register to vote, view your ballot, and track your ballot at oregonvotes.gov 

What is a local option levy?

A local option levy is a property tax which is used to fund specialized, local services. The tax typically continues for the maximum allowed five-year period.

Has Willamalane previously sought funds for general operations through a local option levy? 

This is the first time the district has sought a local option levy to fund general operations since the district's permanent tax rate was established in 1997.

If passed, how much would property owners pay for the proposed levy? 

In-district property owners are responsible for paying the levy rate as part of property taxes. To see if you live in-district, use this map.

The measure would authorize a new property tax of $0.25 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The owner of a median assessed value home ($196,803) would pay about $4.10 per month or $49.20 per year. The tax would continue for five years and raise a total of $8,427,029. Your actual cost may be higher or lower depending on your property’s assessed value.

A property owner can look up their specific property value using this tool from Lane County. Enter a property address and select “tax account data” on the next screen to find the current assessed value.

How to estimate the annual cost for the property:

1. Find the property’s assessed value on the Lane County property search.
2. Divide that number by 1,000.
3. Multiply the result by $0.25.

Why has Willamalane referred the measure to voters now?

The district’s costs have increased over time while its main property tax rate has remained the same, creating a gap between revenue and the cost of maintaining current services. The proposed levy would fund park safety, maintenance, recreation programs, and wildfire prevention while the district continues to evaluate other long-term revenue strategies. 

What are the challenges facing Willamalane's budget?

For many years, the district has maintained a balanced budget, with revenues outpacing expenses, allowing it to save excess revenue in its reserve fund for deferred maintenance needs or emergency and disaster response. However, in the last two budget years, the district’s expenses outpaced revenues. Contributing expenses include: 

1. Rising costs of goods and services. 
2. Labor costs, including higher health insurance premiums. 
3. Increased demand for services, facilities, and parks, which requires additional maintenance and staffing.
4. Limitations of current revenue streams. 
5. The pandemic and ice storm contributed to depleted reserve funds.

What cost-cutting has Willamalane already done? 

In the last year, Willamalane reduced its annual budget by over $1 million. Since then, the district has also eliminated vacant administrative and leadership positions, redistributed responsibilities, reorganized staff to increase efficiency, discontinued some recreation programs, and reduced budgets for materials and services. Additional steps are planned to address existing budget gaps and cover rising costs.

If passed, will Willamalane refer another levy in five years? 

Willamalane would continue to pursue additional revenue strategies to support long-term sustainability and close budget gaps over the next five years, aiming to cover costs with new revenue strategies rather than relying on local option levies.

What other revenue strategies is the district pursuing? 

The district is pursuing multiple revenue strategies to sustain services and cover rising costs. These include: placing greater emphasis on new recreation revenue opportunities, improving efficiency, reviewing district boundaries, and increasing focus on sponsorships, grants, and donations. 

This information was reviewed by the Oregon Elections Division for compliance with ORS 260.432.