Local News

King County voters are approving a six-year parks levy that could give the county parks department more funding than the last parks levy. Initial returns showed 69 percent approved of the measure while 31 percent rejected it.

An 18.77-cent tax per $1,000 of property value is expected to bring in $396 million that could be used to maintain and expand trails, recreational facilities and open space. The tax goes into effect in 2014, and could be subject to increases based on percentage changes in the county property index assessment each year after that.