On July 22, 2026, the Timberland Regional Library (TRL) Board of Trustees unanimously approved placing a levy lid lift measure before voters on the November 3 ballot. If approved, the measure would increase the library’s regular property tax levy rate to provide additional funding for library open hours, staffing, and services. 

Approximately 96% of Timberland Regional Library’s operating revenue comes from local property taxes. If approved by voters, the measure would increase TRL’s regular property tax levy from its current rate of approximately $0.22 to $0.35 per $1,000 of assessed property value beginning in 2027. Without additional funding, the library anticipates significant cuts to open hours, staff, and services. 

Washington law limits how much property tax revenue library districts can collect each year. While operating costs have increased over time, TRL’s levy rate has gradually declined to approximately $0.22 per $1,000 of assessed property value. November’s ballot measure will be the first time in more than 17 years that the library has sought to raise its levy rate after a 2009 vote was narrowly defeated.  

“It’s been a quarter century since we’ve been at a full levy rate. … The longer we go on, the further we get from the library system that we can be because we’re not fully funding it. … We need to allow our communities to make this decision. If we don’t put it on the ballot, they don’t get to make that decision,” said Dustin Loup, Trustee representing Grays Harbor County. 

Ballots will be mailed to registered voters on October 16. Election day is November 3, 2026. 

Additional information about the levy lid lift measure, including FAQs and resources for voters can be found at TRL.org/Levy.