Cost Information

This is not a new tax. It renews an expiring local levy.

This measure renews the existing levy that is set to expire at the end of 2026. 

Local levy dollars fund staff and services the state does not fully cover. The local levy accounts for about 15% of Highline’s operating budget.  

Tax Rates

Tax rates are expected to remain stable — with a modest adjustment each year to keep up with inflation. The proposed rate starts at $2.07 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2027 and rises slightly each year, reaching $2.11 in 2030. This adjustment helps maintain current service levels in the face of rising costs. 

Collection Amount

The proposed levy will provide a maximum of approximately $333.9 million for educational needs not fully funded by the state.   

High Enrollment Projections

If approved, we will collect funds over four years. 

Levy amounts are based on high enrollment projections to ensure we are prepared for the possibility of increased enrollment. We use high projections to ensure we are authorized to collect enough funding to serve all students who may enroll.

Here is the maximum amount of money we would be able to collect based on high enrollment projects:  

• $74.5 million in 2027 
• $80.4 million in 2028 
• $86.2 million in 2029 
• $92.8 million in 2030 

Medium Enrollment Projects

Enrollment in recent years has been closer to our medium projection. Here is the collection amount based on medium enrollment projections: 

• $71.8 million in 2027 
• $76.6 million in 2028 
• $81.3 million in 2029 
• $86.6 million in 2030 

Actual Collection Amount Will Depend on Enrollment

Actual collections will align with actual enrollment. If enrollment is lower than projected, Highline will collect less than the approved maximum—just as it has in recent years. This means the levy provides flexibility without overburdening taxpayers.