Cashmere levy lid lift failing in early count

CASHMERE – The measure had 354 yes votes and 536 no votes, according to unofficial results posted by Chelan County Elections at 8:31 p.m. Nov. 3.

Countywide, 25,571 ballots had been counted, a turnout of 46.3% of the county's 55,184 registered voters.

Chelan County Elections will keep counting ballots in the coming days, including mailed ballots postmarked by Election Day, and results can change. The county is scheduled to certify the election Nov. 24.

Proposition 1 would raise Cashmere's regular property tax rate to $1.5737 per $1,000 of assessed value for collection in 2027, then allow increases of up to 9% a year from 2028 through 2032. The 2032 rate would set the base for future levy limits.

The 2027 rate is about 13 cents higher than the current rate. The Wenatchee World reported the measure would add about $65 a year to the tax bill on a $500,000 home. The city has pointed to law enforcement contract costs rising faster than property tax revenue.

The levy lid lift needs a simple majority to pass. No committees filed arguments for or against the measure in the voters' pamphlet.