Time to vote on the Waitsburg School Levy – Ballots due April 22

WAITSBURG — The Waitsburg School District is asking voters for a three-year levy to raise $200,000 each of its three years: 2026, 2027, and 2028. The levy would help pay for improved safety and security throughout the school district and technology needs.

A levy is a local property tax passed by school district voters that generates revenue to fund programs and services that the state does not pay for as part of basic education. This proposed capital levy would directly pay for improvements to the district’s security system and technology needs.

Q: How much would this levy cost voters?

A: The proposed levy rate is 80¢ per $1,000 assessed property value. An owner of a $100,000 property would pay approximately $80 per year, which works out to  $6.67 a month or $0.22 a day.

Q: What exactly would the levy pay for?

A: The levy would pay for camera systems on the interior and exterior of the school buildings, including the wiring infrastructure needed to install the system. The levy would also pay to add an access control system to the link area between the Waitsburg High School gym and the cage. Levy funds would also help cover the cost of maintaining the district’s technology, including the 1-to-1 devices it provides all its students.

Q: How many votes does the measure need to pass?

A: Levies need a 50 percent plus one majority to pass.

Q: When do we vote?

A: Ballots began to arrive in mailboxes on April 4, and Election Day is Tuesday, April 22, 2025. All ballots must be postmarked no later than April 22 or placed in the ballot drop box outside the Waitsburg City Hall by 8 p.m. on April 22.

Q: Is there a tax break for senior citizens?

A: Yes. Washington State law provides property tax exemptions and deferral programs for senior citizens and people with disabilities. For qualification information, contact the Walla Walla County Assessor’s Office at 509-524-2560 or the Columbia County Assessor at 509-382-2131