Levy date set: Proposed rates similar to current costs

School board sets February 14, 2012 for the four-year replacement levy election
Levy rates similar to those approved in 2008

Tuesday, October 25 -- Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors during a special school board meeting unanimously approved February 14, 2012 as the date for the district's four-year Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy.

The dollar amount and estimated rates for the replacement levy are similar to those approved in 2008. An election resolution will now be filed with Walla Walla County.

Replacement Levy Facts

Dates and approval:

• Election date: Tuesday, February 14, 2012
• Ballots mailed: Friday, January 27, 2012
• 50% + 1 vote required for approval
• Four-year levy

Replacement Levy Facts

• Proposed taxpayer levy rates are similar to last year's rates
• Increases in home values will not increase tax collections
• Replacement levy funds about 20% of the district's budget
• Levy funding pays for library staff and health clinicians
• Levy dollars lower class size, fund training and buy materials
• Pays for specialists not funded by the state (PE & Music)
• Funds all extra-curricular activities (music, sports, drama, FFA)
• Voters approved a similar levy in 2008
• Levy dollars help employ more than 100 staff

Summary of 2012 Replacement Levy Proposal
2013 - $10,227,450 (projected rate $3.64 per $1,000)
2014 - $10,483,136 (projected rate $3.70 per $1,000)
2015 - $10,745,215 (projected rate $3.75 per $1,000)
2016 - $11,013,845 (projected rate $3.81 per $1,000)
* These rates are based on per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Proposed rates are similar to those approved in 2008

Value of home: $175,000
- Current annual - $628.25
- Current monthly - $52.35
- Proposed annual - $637.00
- Proposed monthly - $53.08

Value of home: $250,000
- Current annual - $897.50
- Current monthly - $74.79
- Proposed annual - $910.00
- Proposed monthly - $75.83

Value of home: $350,000
- Current annual - $1256.50
- Current monthly - $104.71
- Proposed annual - $1274.00
- Proposed monthly - $106.17
* These rates are estimates based on per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Voter Registration Information:
To register to vote: Obtain forms at your neighborhood school, WW County Auditors Office (524-2530) or www.co.walla-walla.wa.us

Tax Exemptions:
Senior and disabled citizens may be eligible for an exemption from all or part of levy taxes if certain criteria are met. Call the Walla Walla County Assessor's Office at 524-2560 for additional information.

Levy amount is fixed:
Schools receive no additional dollars if property values increase.

Information:

• Contact Communications Director Mark Higgins at (509) 526-6716 or mhiggins@wwps.org