Seven school districts running levies
Ballots need to be postmarked by Feb. 19
COLUMBIA BASIN - Several school districts are running levies in Grant County.
Ballots must be returned to the Grant County Auditor's Office and postmarked by Feb. 19.
The school districts running levies include Coulee Hartline School District, Quincy School District, Royal City School District, Soap Lake School District, Wahluke School District, Warden School District and Wilson Creek School District.
Coulee Hartline School District
The Coulee Hartline School District seeks a two-year renewal of a previous levy proposed for 2009 and 2010, District Superintendent Edward Fisk said.
He said the levy is approximately $380,000 each year with no increases from the previous years. It costs taxpayers $2.55 per $1,000 assessed value, Fisk said.
He said the levy helps fund driver's education programs, textbooks, teaching supplies, staff, the school nurse, counseling services, ground maintenance, the lunch program and extracurricular programs. Fisk said the school plans to reinstate a music program with the levy funds. The levy helps to maintain the current services offered by the school.
The levy is not paying for the construction of the new high school, he added. The new building is paid for using cash reserves, state funds, grants and insurance payments.
Quincy School District
The Quincy School District is hoping for approval of a three year replacement levy. In 2009 the levy generates approximately $3.4 million, in 2010 the levy would gather approximately $3.8 million and in 2011 the levy would raise approximately $4.3 million in funding.
The levy results in a $2.95 tax per $1,000 assessed value in 2009, a $3 tax per $1,000 assessed value in 2010 and a $3.05 tax per $1,000 assessed value in 2011.
The levy pays for several programs and projects including school security, textbooks, enrichment programs, insurance and drug and alcohol prevention.
Royal City School District
The Royal City School District levy will cost taxpayers less than previous years, and replace the current levy if approved, District Business Manager Clinton Sherman said. The proposed two-year levy will cost approximately $970,000 each year.
The cost per $1,000 assessed value is $2.55.
The levy will pay for athletic programs, staff, extra curricular activities and lunch programs, Sherman said.
Soap Lake School District
The Soap Lake School District is hoping for approval of a four-year replacement levy. If passed, the levy generates $516,025 in 2009. For 2010 it increases to $567,628, in 2011 it generates $624,391 and in 2012 it raises $686,830 in funding.
The levy is funded through a tax based on property value. The collection rate is $28.59 per $100,000 assessed valuation. Homeowners would see an approximate $2 increase each month for three years. The state is offering $800,000 in matching funds if the levy is passed.
The levy funds several programs including lunch, student transportation and extra-curricular activities.
Wahluke School District
The Wahluke School District is looking for approval of a two-year replacement levy. In 2009 the proposed amount is approximately $1.17 million and in 2010 it's estimated to generate approximately $1.2 million, District Associate Superintendent Rick Molitor said. Taxpayers would pay $3 per $1,000 assessed property value each year. The tax per $1,000 is the same as in the past. There are no increases, he said.
The levy pays for several needs including classroom materials, student transportation, music and art programs, security, technology upgrades, the community fitness center, extended learning opportunities, staff and library books, Molitor said.
Warden School District
The Warden School District is running a replacement levy to cover 2009 and 2010, District Superintendent Sandra Sheldon said. The 2009 levy is $902,000 and the 2010 levy generates $925,00. The cost for taxpayers is approximately $3.38 for each $1,000 or assessed value, she said.
Sheldon said the levy provides funding assistance for various programs including library services, counseling services, the school nurse, maintenance and field trips.
She said if the levy is not passed, the school district loses funds from the state totaling approximately $600,000.
Wilson Creek School District
The Wilson Creek School District levy is a replacement levy for 2009 and 2010 and generates $190,000 per year. It will cost taxpayers $4.07 per $1,000 assessed property value. If the levy is approved, the state will provide additional approximately $166,000 in funding.
The levy provides for the continuation of current programs including staff, sports, transportation costs, class supplies and breakfast and lunch programs.