Moses Lake Schools talk bonds

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District Superintendent Steve Chestnut said the community is expressing support for the district's proposed bonds sale.

Chestnut conducted about 25 presentations to educate the community on the proposed bonds sale of $33.8 million. The most recent presentation was to the public Tuesday night. Only a few members of the public showed up for the presentation.

"It's been very positive," Chestnut said. "I think people are very aware that our community's growing and our elementary schools are crowded."

Board member Lew Mason agreed.

"I think everybody sees the growth," Mason said. "It's pretty obvious."

Voters have an opportunity to make a decision on the proposal on the Feb. 6 ballot.

Chestnut said the last time the school district brought a bonds sale to voters was in 1993. The bonds proposal includes two new elementary schools, the first elementary schools constructed since 1956.

Other improvements are an expansion of special education space, another gym at Chief Moses Middle School, safety upgrades, technology upgrades at all schools, a completion of the Lions Field project, and new facilities for the district's transportation, maintenance and warehouse departments.

The state is providing a match of more than $14 million toward the projects. The bonds would be paid back during the next 20 years.

The estimated collection rate is 55 cents per $1,000 assessed home value. The tax rate for 2007, including a current bond and maintenance and operations levy, is $4.80. In 2008, the collection rate would increase to $5.47. The rate would drop in 2009 to $4.95, resulting in landowners paying 15 cents more than 2007.

"Starting in 2009, that's when a lot of the industrial development comes on the tax rolls, which will cause the rate per $1,000 to drop for the M and O levy," Chestnut said.

The district finishes paying back the 1993 bond in 2012.

Increased property values do not increase the amount of bonds money collected, he said. The district can collect no more than the total $33.85 million approved by voters.

"That's the maximum we will collect," Chestnut said.

Chestnut invited anyone with questions about the bond to contact him or Special Assistant to the Superintendent P.J. De Benedetti at 509-766-2650.