Ritzville School District plans replacement M&O levy

The Ritzville School Board of Directors unanimously approved to submit a resolution for a replacement Maintenance and Operation (M&O) levy during the regular board meeting on Nov. 25.

The levy, which appears on the Feb. 11 ballot, replaces the current M&O levy that is in place in the school district.

The proposed levy for the Ritzville School District is for two years that will begin collection in 2015 and would tax $3.14 per $1,000 assessed value, which would collect an estimated $983,000 for the district during the years that the levy is in effect.

The levy commences in 2014, but the first collection occurs in 2015. The exact levy rate may be adjusted based on the assessed value of taxable property at the time of the levy.

The Ritzville School District’s previous M&O levy was approved by voters at a rate of $3.16 per $1,000 assessed value, which collected $933,000 for the district. Because of the increased assessed value, the levy is currently running at $2.98 per thousand instead of the proposed $3.16.

The 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 district 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 must present a copy of the levy resolution to the Auditor at least 46 days prior to the special election, as required by law.

The resolution for the district becomes effective immediately if the proposition is approved and adopted by the voters.

The Lind School District Board of Directors is having a special meeting on Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. in the Lind-Ritzville Middle School cafeteria to determine the M&O levy rate for the Lind School District.

The Lind School District is also considering running a bond during the February special election for facilities improvements within the schools.

The county ballots for the election are to be mailed to active voters on Friday, Jan. 24.