The major difference between a levy and a bond is that levies are for “learning” and bonds are for “building”.  Levies support resources and operations that are underfunded by the State.  Bonds are for designing and constructing new schools, performing major renovations for existing schools and acquiring land for building schools.  Levies require at 50% +1 voter approval rating while bonds require 60% +1 to pass.  The following graphic provides further explanation:

School districts are funded through state, federal and local dollars.  K-12 education is not fully funded by the state of Washington; there is a gap between what the State funds for Pre-K-12 education and what students need.  As a result, all school districts rely on local voter- approved funding measures to bridge the gap. Every two years we ask voters to consider renewing this levy.

The levy is not a new tax. The levy will cost the owner of a home with an assessed value of $450,000 $30.38 per month. Our levy makes up approximately 16% of our overall budget.

In Washington State, school districts are controlled by locally elected school boards. Although we are discussing ways to share resources and programs with our friends in Manson, at this point we have not discussed the dissolution of each district to form a single one as each community values their local control of their schools.

If property values go up, the tax rate is adjusted downward.  The school district cannot collect more than the amount that has been approved by voters.  Increases in property values do not generate more revenue for the school district.

Low-income seniors and people with disabilities may qualify for an exemption.  To apply for this exemption, call the Chelan County Tax Exemptions Office at 509- 667-6365 or visit the following link: https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/assessor/contacts