The Washougal School Board of Directors has approved a replacement Enhanced Programs & Operations Levy and Technology Levy on the February 11, 2020 ballot at their November 26, 2019 board meeting.
Washougal voters will be asked to consider a replacement Enhanced Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O) to fund services and operations not funded by the state or federal government. These services include:
The EP&O Levy will be assessed at $2.14 per thousand of assessed value for tax years 2021, 2022, and 2023. The levy is projected to collect generate $7,392,656 in 2021, $7,984,068 in 2022, and $8,622,793 in tax year 2023.
If the replacement EP&O Levy is approved, Washougal will expand its educational offerings so the district can know, nurture, and challenge all students to rise! Starting in 2021, levy funds will:
Technology Levy dollars pay for the district’s 1:1 initiative, up-to-date computers and devices, classroom instructional technology, professional development and coaching, technology infrastructure and staffing, and digital curriculum and software.
The Technology Levy will be assessed at $0.25 per thousand of assessed value for tax year 2021, $.024 per thousand in 2022, and and $0.22 in tax year 2023. The levy is projected to collect generate $845,000 in 2021, $870,000 in 2022, and $898,000 in tax year 2023.
If approved by voters, the EP&O levy will cost property owners $2.14 per thousand, and the tech levy will cost $0.25 per thousand. This will bring property taxes for schools to about the same rate as they were in 2017, before the state implemented a levy swap. The chart below shows the rate per thousand for state levy for schools, the EP&O levy, the tech levy, and our school construction bond over time.
An owner of a $325,000 home (the Washougal average) would pay about $777 per year, or $65 per month for both levies. This amounts to an increase of about $4.06 per month in 2021, compared to the current tax rates.
To calculate your estimated tax for the combined rates, use this formula:
(assessed home value) multiplied by $2.39 then divide by 1,000 = annual amount
Yes, disabled persons and those over 61 years of age may be eligible for a tax exemption. For information about these programs, contact the county assessor’s office for your county. Clark County Assessor is at 360-397-2391 or Skamania County Assessor at 509-427-3720.
For more information about school district funding, please contact Director of Business Services Kris Grindy at 360-954-3003, or contact the Washougal School District at 360-954-3000.
Washougal School District is seeking applications from citizens interested in being appointed to a
committee to write the pro/con statements for the Clark County Online Voters’ Guide related to the
following two ballot measures for the District to be considered at the February 11, 2020 election: (1) Replacement of Expiring Educational Programs and Operations Levy; and (2) Replacement of Expiring Capital Levy for Instructional Technology. Those interested should send their name, address, phone number and which position they represent to Dr. Mary Templeton at (360) 954-3001 or via email at mary.templeton@washougalsd.org by November 26, 2019 at 10:00am. The Board will take action on the appointments at its November 26, 2019 regular board meeting.
Posted per RCW 29A.32.280