Moses Lake asks voters to approve bonds

State matching funds with $14 million

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School Board is asking voters in February to approve the sale of bonds for two new elementary schools and several other improvements.

The board voted at a special meeting Thursday to put the bond on the Feb. 6 ballot. A crowd was in the room, but there were no questions from people attending the meeting.

The $33.8 million proposal is the first bonds proposal since 1993. The new elementary schools would be the first elementary schools built in Moses Lake since the late 1950s.

"As you know, we are crowded and we need to do something about that," Superintendent Steve Chestnut said.

Other improvements to be included are technology upgrades, additional special education space at the schools, safety improvements, a new gym at Chief Moses Middle School and upgrades to Lions Field. The district is hoping to move the bus garage, warehouse and maintenance facility to one location, if it is economically practical, Special Assistant to the Superintendent P.J. De Benedetti said.

The school district said the state is matching the bond funds with an estimated $14 million to help generate a total $47.8 million in improvements.

De Benedetti noted the tax rate for 2007, including a bond and maintenance and operations levy, is going to be $4.80. In 2009, the estimated rate with an approved bonds sale is $4.95, or 15 cents more than 2007.

"For that 15 cents, we're going to get almost $34 million in local effort and $14 million in estimated state match. It's a great deal," he said.

The estimated collection rate is 55 cents per $1,000 assessed value.