LYNDEN, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Lynden is seeking residents to write pro and con statements for a proposed tax hike.

My Bellingham Now previously reported the city council voted earlier this month to send a levy lid lift to the November general election ballot.

If approved, it would increase property taxes by 50 cents to roughly $1.54 per thousand dollars of assessed value starting in 2027. That would cost an extra $300 per year for the owner of a $600,000 home.

According to the city, a drop in revenue and rising inflation has forced it to make several budget cuts, such as reducing 10% of its workforce and closing City Hall to the public on Fridays.

If the levy doesn’t pass, the city said it will have to cut more staff and reduce services in its parks, police and fire departments.

Anyone interested in writing pro or con statements can submit their name, phone number and email address to the Lynden City Clerk’s Office at 360-354-1170 or cityclerk@lyndenwa.org.

The deadline to apply is Friday, July 31, at 4 p.m.

Each committee is limited to three people, though an unlimited number of people can help prepare each statement.