School district levies on Feb. 10 ballot

EPHRATA — Several school districts across Grant and Adams counties are asking voters to approve a series of levy replacements in the upcoming special election, Tuesday, Feb. 10. Most initiatives would replace expiring levies, allowing districts to continue funding educational programs, staffing, and extracurriculars. One health district also has a measure before voters.

Several districts are also proposing capital levies and bond measures for facility improvements, and voters will consider lifting levy lids for medical services.  

EP&O Levies

Wahluke School District is looking to replace an existing educational programs and operations levy that is set to expire at the end of 2026. The four-year replacement levy would authorize the collection of more than $3 million in 2027 and more than $3.4 million in 2030. The levy rate is estimated to be $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. The funds will be used to pay salaries and benefits, instructional materials, equipment, transportation, and other educational programs and operations expenses.  

Quincy School District seeks to replace its four-year levy, collecting more than $10.7 million in 2027 and $11.7 million in 2030 with an estimated levy rate of $1.25.  

Warden School District is looking to replace its two-year levy, collecting up to more than $2 million in 2027 and up to $2.3 million in 2028. The levy rate is estimated to be $2.40 and $2.45.  

Othello School District is proposing to replace its four-year levy. It would authorize the collection of up to $4.1 million in 2027 and $5.5 million in 2030 at an estimated $1.50 levy rate.  

Coulee-Hartline School District is requesting voters to approve its two-year maintenance and operation levy, also known as the Enrichment Levy. The proposal lowers the requested property tax rate to approximately $0.81 in 2027 and to $0.74 in 2028, collecting $350,600 for both years.  

Royal School District is asking voters to replace its existing two-year levy, collecting about $2 million in 2027 and $2.1 million in 2028. Its levy rate is estimated at $1.63.  

Wilson Creek School District is proposing to replace its two-year levy, collecting about $390,000 in 2027 and $400,000 in 2028 with an estimated levy rate of $2.50.  

Washtucna School District is also looking to replace its four-year levy, collecting $150,000 for four years at a levy rate of $1.43.  

Benge School District proposes a two-year levy replacement, collecting $36,000 in 2027 and 2028 with a levy rate of $1.31 and $1.27.  

Lind School District proposes to replace its two-year levy, collecting $700,000 in 2027 at a property tax rate of $1.23, and $737,000 at a $1.26 rate in 2028. 

Ritzville School District proposes a two-year levy replacement, collecting about $1.2 million in 2027 and $1.3 million in 2028 at a $2.02 levy rate.  

Capital Levies and Bonds

Ephrata School District is looking for voters to approve the use of bonds to rebuild and expand aging and educationally outdated schools. The proposition would allow the district to rebuild Grant Elementary School and Parkway Intermediate School while also allowing other capital improvements to existing facilities. The proposition would issue $75 million of general bonds that will be repaid over a maximum term of 25 years.  

Warden School District is also proposing to replace a two-year existing capital levy to make safety, security, and instructional technology improvements through school facilities. This includes repairing and sealing asphalt and replacing sidewalks, improving ramp and portable accessibility, and acquiring and implementing instructional technology equipment. The proposal would authorize the collection of more than $370,000 in 2027 and more than $390,000 in 2028 with an estimated $0.42 rate.  

Lind School District proposes replacing their two-year capital levy for educational technology improvements, facility upgrades, and major repairs. If authorized the district would collect $100,000 in both years at a $0.17 estimated levy rate.  

Ritzville School District is following suit, proposing a two-year capital levy replacement. If approved, they would collect $100,000 both years at a $0.16 levy rate.  

East Adams Rural Healthcare  

East Adams Rural Healthcare provides emergency medical care and healthcare services to the residents of the public hospital districts, primarily serving those with public insurance. The elected Board of Commissioners is requesting approval to increase its regular property tax levy rate from $0.32 to $0.50 per $1,000 assessed value in 2027. The levy is designed to provide additional operating and capital funds to support emergency medical services.  

The board is also looking to lift the levy lid for maintaining healthcare facilities from $0.52 to $0.75 per $1,000 assessed value in 2027, supporting the delivery of hospital and other health care services.  

Voters can still register in-person by Feb.10 and ballots must be dropped off at the drop box locations in Adams and Grant counties. Voting results will be posted online after 8 pm.  Those mailing ballots will want to go into the post office and have their ballots postmarked when they drop them off to ensure they are counted and not postmarked for a later date.