Royal Register endorses RSD levy

“We always believe in education. The monies we spend on kids’ education will come back many-fold to the community.” - Tom Hinde, RR Publisher

ROYAL CITY – Every few years Royal School District (RSD) voters renew the Maintenance and Operations Levy. The renewal is not a new tax, it replaces an expiring levy.

Levy dollars supports all student clubs and athletics, supplies classrooms, funds transportation, music performances, field trips, school nurses and liability insurance, among other things, said a recent press release from RSD.

According to the press release, this levy funds approximately 15 percent of the RSD total operating budget. The levy is projected for an annual income of $1,350,000 in 2014 and $1,370,000 in 2015. The levy proposes a tax rate of $2.20 for every $1,000 of assessed value for property owners. That is $.10 less than 2012/13.

By securing the local levy, RSD receives additional money from the state called Local Effort Assistance. In 2012, RSD received $1.3 million in LEA, they said.

By passing the levy, and therefore securing the LEA, RSD voters are a deciding factor of approximately 30 percent of the RSD total operating budget.

According to the press release, the RSD proposed levy rate is one of the lowest when compared with surrounding school districts. In 2013 Ephrata held a $5.10 levy tax rate, Warden was at $3.24, Wahluke at $2.85 and Moses Lake at $4.26.

RSD has never failed a Maintenance and Operations Levy. It would be truly crippling for the school district.

Only a simple majority is necessary to pass the levy.           

- Staff report