Schools banking on M&O levies for key funding

A resolution of the Board of Directors for both the Lind and Ritzville school districts submitted a proposition of a tax levy that will appear on the Feb. 14 ballot. The levy replaces the Maintenance and Operation Levy that is currently in place at both school districts.

The proposed levy increase that will be on the ballot for the Lind School District is for two years, beginning in 2012 that will tax $3.06 per $1,000 assessed value, which will collect an estimated $688,573 for the district during the years when the levy is in effect.

The proposed levy increase for the Ritzville School District is also for two years that will begin in 2012 and will tax $3.16 per $1,000 assessed value, which will collect an estimated $933,000 for the district during the years that the levy is in effect.

The money made in 2012 is for collection in 2013 and the money made in 2013 is for collection in 2014 for the District’s General Fund. The exact levy rate may be adjusted based on the assessed value of taxable property at the time of the levy.

Both schools are hoping to increase the levy amount for the district based on the belief the current fund is insufficient to pay the needs of the schools. The increased funds help to meet the educational needs of all the students, operate all of the educational programs currently in place and pay all of the general expenses pertaining to maintenance and operation.

If the proposition passes by the required amount of voters, the districts may use the taxes voted on to repay short-term obligations, but all must be authorized by law and seen as necessary by the Board. The Board of Directors for both school districts presented a copy of the levy resolution to the Auditor at least 46 days prior to the special election, as required by law.

The resolutions for both districts become effective immediately if the proposition is approved and adopted by the voters.

The county ballots for the election are to be mailed to active voters on Friday, Jan. 27. Currently, Lind has 579 active voters and Ritzville totals 1,473 active voters.

Ballots can be dropped off at the auditor’s office in the Adams County Courthouse or at the drop box located at the Ritzville City Hall.