PORT ORCHARD — Proposition 1, a property tax levy increase to support Kitsap Regional Library services, received a strong endorsement from Kitsap voters Nov. 7, who approved the measure by a 62.6 percent to 37.4 percent margin.

Out of 201 of 210 precincts reporting, the yes vote totaled 22,941 countywide; 13,681 voters said no.

The vote gives the go-ahead to Kitsap County to increase the regular property tax levy amount from 35 cents per $1,000 to 43 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. Property owners will see the increased property tax rate in 2018.

Kitsap Regional Library Foundation’s campaign committee wrote in the county voter’s guide that the levy lift will fund existing library service and needed improvements to existing branches.

Monica Blackwood of the Committee For The Measure said passage of Proposition 1 is “the culmination of quite a bit of hard work.” Blackwood noted that the committee spent considerable time listening to county residents about what they wanted in a strong library.

“That input shaped our ask to the community,” she said.

“The response affirms that our community is strong and is behind having a strong library which provides access [by adding] additional hours, children and youth programs, and increased investment in technology and collections, among many other things.”