Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a levy?
a. A Levy is a local property tax that generates revenue to fund programs and services that the State does not pay for as part of “basic education.” Levies must be approved by the voters of a school district by a simple majority (50% + 1 vote).
2. Why do school districts run levies?
a. The state of Washington is required to supply school districts with funding for “basic education.” Outside of state funding, schools may receive money for facilities, programs, and services from voter-approved levies. Because the funding provided by the State does not cover the actual costs to operate a school district, districts often utilize levies to bridge the gap. Some of the many things that levies help to fund may include extracurricular activities, special education, transportation, food service, operations, grounds and maintenance, preschool, and other activities.
3. When was the last bond approved in Columbia School District and what did it fund?
a. The last bond to support district infrastructure improvements was passed in February of 2017. This bond initiative funded the new elementary activities wing (gym and classrooms) and renovated the old CES cafeteria. In addition, the 2017 bond replaced the CHS track, updated districtwide security cameras, and will be renovating the CES playground facilities.
4. Is there a limit on the dollar amount a district may request for a levy?
a. Yes. This maximum dollar amount is known as the “levy lid.” As part of the changes the Legislature made to the way the State funds education in Washington, also known as the “McCleary decision,” levy rates are capped at $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. A levy may not collect more than $2,500 per student maximum.
5. Is there a tax break for senior citizens?
a. Yes! Washington State law provides two tax benefit programs for senior citizens and individuals who are disabled: property tax exemptions and property tax deferrals. For more information on qualifications, visit wa.gov/taxes-rates/property-tax/property-tax-exemptions-and-deferrals.
6. How is the levy approved?
a. Columbia School District’s proposed Capital Levy will appear on local voter ballots on the November 8, 2022 election. Levies require a simple majority approval in order to pass (50% + one vote). Information on voting in Burbank can be found on the Walla Walla County Auditor’s website at co.walla-walla.wa.us/government/auditor/elections.php
7. What is a levy rate?
a. A levy rate is the amount of property tax per $1,000 of assessed property value to fund a voter approved levy amount. A levy rate of $1.00 means that for every $1,000 of property value, the owner of the property will have to pay $1.00 in taxes.
In Columbia School District, the proposed Levy tax rate is $0.83 beginning in 2023 and decreasing each year after. See how the levy tax rates apply to property values in the chart below:
In Columbia School District, the proposed Levy tax rate is $0.83 beginning in 2023 and decreasing each year after. See how the levy tax rates apply to property values in the chart below:
|
|
Estimated Tax Payment Per Year |
||
|
Year / Tax Rate |
$300,000 Home (Assessed Property Value) |
$200,000 Home (Assessed Property Value) |
$150,000 Home (Assessed Property Value) |
|
2023 = $0.83 |
$249 |
$166 |
$124.50 |
|
2024 = $0.81 |
$243 |
$162 |
$121.50 |
|
2025 = $0.78 |
$234 |
$156 |
$117 |
|
2026 = $0.76 |
$228 |
$152 |
$114 |
8. How often can school districts run levies?
a. Voters can approve a levy for up to four years. Columbia School District typically runs four-year levies. After the allotted number of years, the levy expires. Districts typically then go back to their voters and ask for a continuation, replacement, or enrichment levy.