Local Parks and Rec and Cemetery boards put M&O levies on ballot

Adams County Parks and Recreation Districts 2 and 3, along with Cemetery District No. 1, have placed maintenance and operations (M&O) levies on the Aug. 1 Primary Election ballot.

Park and Recreation District No. 3 in Lind is proposing a ballot measure proposing a real property tax levy for the maintenance and operation costs of the Lind swimming pool for 2018.

This measure will authorize the district to levy a special property tax of $65,000, an estimated 24 cents $1,000 of assessed value in 2017.

District No. 3 board member Laurinda Ritz said the levy rate is the same amount as the previous years measure, which passed with a 135-74 vote.

She explained the funds would cover the costs of the pool’s programs for residents and their families.

Some of these include the teen and “tween” pool nights, open swim for families and lap swim. Residents also use the pool during off hours for private events like birthday parties.

“We have an older pool that needs a lot of maintenance,” Ritz added.

Adams County Cemetery District No. 1 in Washtucna is proposing a measure for a real property tax levy of $10,500, an estimated 21 cents per $1,000 of assessed value thousand for maintenance and operation for the year 2018. This is an increase from last year’s levy of $9,500, which passed 88-36.

District No. 1 board member Lora Hille said the levy will cover operating expenses, equipment maintenance and contracting for services to help maintain the cemetery.

“Our expenses increase yearly,” Hille said.

The Park and Recreation District No. 4 ballot measure proposes a real property tax levy for $120,000, an estimated 34 cents per $1,000 assessed value.

The levy would go toward the maintenance and operation of the Ritzville water park for 2018.

This is not the first levy from District No. 4 voters approved this year.

In February, voters approved an $80,000 levy for resurfacing the recreational pool, which was completed before the facility’s opening.

District No. 4 board member Marie Borth confirmed this year’s levy is the same rate as last year’s, which passed with a 420-207 vote, and will help cover operation costs like payroll for the facility’s 20 employees and maintenance.

Ballots must be returned or postmarked by Aug. 1.

The Adams County Courthouse will be open on Election Day for ballot drop-off and use of accessible voting equipment between 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Drop boxes are also available at Ritzville City Hall and Lind Town Hall.

Voters can register at the Adams County Auditor’s Office at 210 W. Broadway Ave. Suite 200 in Ritzville, or online at http://vote.wa.gov.

For a replacement ballot or additional information, call 659-3249.