What is the measure on the ballot? 
This ballot measure asks voters to increase the library levy rate, which provides most of TRL’s operating budget. 

Why is this vote happening now? 
The Library District is no longer able to keep up with rising costs and growing library use. It is necessary to avoid further reductions to library services and staff at Timberland Regional Library. 

Why is this vote important? 
Because the library levy makes up 96% of TRL's budget, it has a strong impact on the services we are able to provide. 

Why doesn't the library cut costs?
Over the years, many cuts and adjustments have been made to help control costs. Our most significant expense is staffing and benefits, and districtwide staffing has been reduced from approximately 251 FTE in 2016 to 182 FTE as of August 2026. Spending has also been reduced on library collections, supplies, services, and programming. While we have made efforts to live within our means, TRL has not had a full levy rate in over 25 years, and revenue growth has not kept up with rising costs.

What has TRL done to control administrative salary costs?
In June 2026 TRL implemented a full restructure and salary review of the administrative leadership team. Salary revisions, position changes, and Board-approved furloughs for non-union-represented staff and Administrators are projected to save over $222,700 during the second half of the year. These changes also distribute leadership roles more responsibly and include a broader range of voices in decision making. The full Administration Restructuring and Salary Adjustment plan can be reviewed as part of the 06/24/2026 Board Packet.

How much additional revenue would the levy lid lift generate?
If approved, a $0.35 levy rate would result in approximately $14 million in additional revenue in 2027 compared to projected property tax revenue without a levy lid lift.

What happens to Timberland Regional Library’s services if the library levy rate increase is approved? 
If the library levy rate increase is approved, TRL will be able to: 

• Provide more open, staffed hours and days at libraries throughout the district
• Increase collections & reduce wait times
• Continue providing public access to computers, wifi, and printing
• Improve spaces for meeting, studying and connection - with input from local community.    

What happens to TRL services if the library levy lid lift is rejected? 
If the library levy restoration is rejected, TRL will need to: 

• Significantly reduce open, staffed hours across the district.
• Reduce Anywhere Library Mobile Services
• Have a smaller digital and physical collection with longer wait times.
• Rely on card access only unstaffed hours for branches that have Expanded Access.

Does the measure need to pass in every county?
No. The measure is decided by the combined vote across all five counties in the library district. It passes if more than 50% of voters who cast a ballot on the measure vote "Yes."

Where can I read the full text of the Resolution authorizing the ballot measure?

• Resolution 26-002 (PDF)

What is a levy? 
A levy is a tax that's collected for a specific purpose. Many community services are funded through property tax levies, like schools, fire departments, parks — and your library system.  

Is the library levy new? 
No, this is not a new levy. Levies are normal funding for public libraries in Washington state. 

How much of TRL's budget does the library levy provide? 
The library levy provides 96% of TRL’s budget. 

Why can't the library receive funding from other sources? 
The library does receive funding from other sources, including Timber Tax (around 5.4% in 2026), donations, and Friends of the Library.  But these make up a very small fraction of our budget. 

What is the difference between a levy and a levy rate? 
Think of a levy as the total amount raised. A levy rate is the amount someone pays per $1,000 of assessed property value. 

If property values increase, does a levy increase by the same rate? 
No, because there is a legal limit to how much a levy can increase every year without voter approval. 

How much can a levy increase per year without voter approval? 
Under Washington state law, the total amount a district collects from a regular property tax levy can only increase by 1% a year, even if inflation or service demands rise faster than that. 

This 1% cap was created to protect taxpayers from unpredictable increases in tax bills due to rising property values. 

Does library funding stay the same? 
No, the library levy rate falls over time. As the total value of property in the Library District increases, the tax rate drops so the Library District doesn't collect more than the allowed 1% increase. 

Is there a way to increase a levy by more than 1% in a year? 
The only way to do this is through voter approval, and that is what this year's vote on the library levy is about.  

What is a levy "lid lift"? 
A levy lid lift is a term used in local government finance that refers to a voter-approved increase in property tax limits. A levy "lid lift" is the tool voters use to temporarily increase a levy beyond the 1% limit. 

How often is this on the ballot? 
It is common for library districts to return to voters every several years to restore their library levy to keep up with rising costs. TRL has not gone out for a Levy Lid Lift since 2009.

When was the last time Timberland Libraries voters approved restoring the library levy?
The last time voters approved a levy lid lift was in 1987, prior to the passage of Initiative 747 limiting annual increases to property tax.

What is the library levy rate today?
$0.22 per $1,000 of assessed property value. 

What happens to the library levy rate if the measure is approved?
If the measure is approved, the library levy rate would be increased to $0.35 per $1,000 of assessed property value. 

What happens to the library levy rate if the measure is rejected?
If the measure is rejected, the library levy rate will remain at its current level ($0.22 per $1,000). 

How do I find out how much I pay in property taxes?
Your property tax information is available through your county assessor's office. Find yours:

Grays Harbor

Lewis County

Pacific County

Mason County

Thurston County

Who is exempt from property taxes?
Property tax exemptions are available to senior citizens and people with disabilities who meet age/disability, income, ownership, and residency requirements. Other populations including disabled veterans and surviving spouses of veterans, those with limited income, and nonprofit organizations may also be exempt.

Do I have to apply for a property tax exemption?
Yes. Property tax exemptions are not automatic. Eligible homeowners and organizations must apply and provide documentation to qualify. Some programs require periodic renewal or updates to confirm continued eligibility.

Where can I learn more about these exemptions?
More information is available through your county assessor's office. Find yours:

Grays Harbor

Lewis County

Pacific County

Mason County

Thurston County

When will ballots be mailed? 
Ballots will be in the mail on October 16 

When is the election? 
Election Day is November 3. Your ballot must either be postmarked no later than Election Day or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. 

What do I do with my ballot? 
Voters can drop their ballot in an official ballot drop box. They can also mail their ballot, but it must be postmarked by Election Day—the USPS recommends mailing a week before Election Day. 

Where can I check my voter registration or register to vote? 
votewa.gov. 

Where can I find additional election information? 
sos.wa.gov/elections. 

I have more questions—who can I talk to? 
Let's talk.