Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a “renewal of expiring educational programs and operation levy” (also called a maintenance and operations levy)? A. An educational programs and operation levy (also called a maintenance and operations levy) is a local property tax authorized by voters to fund basic educational programs and operations.
A. An educational programs and operation levy (also called a maintenance and operations levy) is a local property tax authorized by voters to fund basic educational programs and operations.
Q. Why is an educational programs and operation levy necessary?
A. The State does not fully fund the District’s basic education programs. The District’s proposed educational programs and operation levy makes up the shortfall.
Q: Why is the proposed levy described as a renewal levy?
A: The Washington Constitution limits educational programs and operation levies to a period not to exceed 4 years. School districts must then submit a new levy request to the voters.
The District’s proposed 4-year educational programs and operation levy will replace the prior levy approved by the voters in 2013 and due to expire in 2017.
Q: What levy taxes are being proposed for the next four years?
A: The new levy request in 2018 is for approximately $2.96 per $1,000 of assessed value. The levy collection increases 3% each year to account for cost of living adjustments. See the following table:
Collection Year |
Approximate Levy Rate |
Levy Amount |
---|---|---|
2018 |
$2.96 |
$12,527,890 |
2019 |
$2.96 |
$12,903,727 |
2020 |
$2.96 |
$13,290,839 |
2021 |
$2.96 |
$13,689,564 |
Q: How does Wenatchee School District’s proposed educational programs and operation levy rate compare to the District’s prior levy rates?
A: See the following table for a history of levy rates per $1,000.
Collection Years |
Tax Impact/ Yearly |
Levy Rates /$1,000 |
---|---|---|
2013 |
$775 |
$3.10 |
2014 |
$823 |
$3.29 |
2015 |
$793 |
$3.17 |
2016 |
$763 |
$3.05 |
2017 |
$740 |
$2.96 |
Projected |
Projected |
Projected |
2018 |
$740 |
$2.96 |
2019 |
$740 |
$2.96 |
2020 |
$740 |
$2.96 |
2021 |
$740 |
$2.96 |
Q: What tax impact will the proposed levy have on a home assessed at $250,000?
Current Levy Rate:
2017 - $740.00 yearly based on the current levy rate of $2.96
Per $1,000 of assessed value.
Estimated Rate Will Be:
2018 - $740.00 yearly based on the estimated levy rate of $2.96
Per $1,000 of assessed value.
2019 - $740.00 yearly based on the estimated levy rate of $2.96
Per $1,000 of assessed value.
2020 - $740.00 yearly based on the estimated levy rate of $2.96
Per $1,000 of assessed value.
2021 - $740.00 yearly based on the estimated levy rate of $2.96
Per $1,000 of assessed value.
Q: Is there a special tax exemption for senior or disabled citizens?
A:Yes, if you are at least 61 years old on December 31 of the application year with an annual household disposable income of $35,000 or less, or unable to work because of a disability, or a veteran with a total disability rating for a service connected disability, you may be eligible for the Washington State property tax exemption program (dor.wa.gov).
For information about your status, contact the office of the Chelan County Assessor at (509) 667-6365.
Q: What are the voter-approval requirements for the District’s proposed educational programs and operation levy?
A: Under State law, at least 40% of the number of voters in the immediate past general election must vote and of that amount, at least 50% plus 1 of the votes cast must be “yes”.
Q: How will the ballot proposition describe the District’s proposed educational programs and operation levy?
PROPOSITION 1
WENATCHEE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 246
RENEWAL OF EXPIRING EDUCATIONAL
PROGRAMS AND OPERATION LEVY
The Board of Directors of Wenatchee School District No. 246 adopted Resolution
No. 02-17, concerning a proposition for a renewal levy for education. This proposition would authorize the District to levy the following excess taxes, in place of an expiring levy, on all taxable property within the District, for support of the
District’s General Fund educational programs and operation expenses:
Collection Years | Approximate Levy Rate per $1,000 Assessed Value | Levy Amount |
---|---|---|
2018 | $2.96 | $12,527,890 |
2019 | $2.96 | $12,903,727 |
2020 | $2.96 | $13,290,839 |
2021 | $2.96 | $13,689,564 |
As provided in Resolution No. 02-17 should this proposition be approved? | ||
LEVY YES | LEVY NO |
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
You may contact:
Brian Flones, Superintendent or
Les Vandervort, Chief Financial Officer
Wenatchee School District
663-8161
Maintenance & Operations Levy
April 25th, 2017
Thank you for Voting!
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