We Need Your YES Vote
Sunday, 01 March 2009 05:47
Here's the real bottom line on the levy and bond: our kids need us to vote YES. The dollars we approve as voters are CRITICAL to learning, safety and security. We have economic reasons to vote yes: businesses look at local schools before deciding to move here, strong schools are good for your property value, and the levy and bond dollars circulate in the local community, supporting thousands of jobs. The most basic reason, though, is to vote YES for kids, YES for our community. Please vote YES for the levy, YES for the bond, and return your ballots by Tuesday, March 10.
Last Updated on Sunday, 01 March 2009 05:52
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The Levy and Bond Rate Explained
Friday, 27 February 2009 22:27
Bonds
When the school board proposed the long range school facility renovation program in 2003, they intended that bond amortization rates would remain the same throughout the life of the 25-year plan. Voters in 2003 approved the first phase of the program (six years) at a rate around $1.96 per thousand of assessed value. For the dollars needed to continue the plan starting in 2009, the school district intends to keep the estimated tax rate around $1.96.
Levy
School levies rates are governed by several limiting factors.
The levy amount approved periodically by voters. In Spokane, voters last approved a three-year levy in 2006 at a rate of $3.75 listed on the ballot. They are being asked to renew the levy this year, again for three years. The 2009 ballot lists an estimated lower rate of $3.56 per $1,000.
The actual amount collected, however, is also governed by the State’s levy lid law and the District’s overall assessed valuation. As the overall valuation goes up over the three-year period, the levy rate actually goes down because of the effect of the levy lid. Increases in property value or new property on the tax rolls help lower the rate for everyone. For example, the actual amount being paid now is $2.86 and the new three-year levy will be governed by same limitations on overall taxes collected.
Ballot Wording Explained
Saturday, 21 February 2009 00:00
Curious about the wording on the ballot? Here's a technical explanation of the word "excess":
The election ballot of the the school levy refers an "excess levy". Just so you know, this wording is required for school levies. IT IS NOT A NEW TAX. It replaces the existing program levy at a tax rate estimated to be lower than what voters approved in 2006.
State Legislators, County Commissioners, and City Councils can levy a tax, within certain limits on percentages and increases, without a vote of the people. Thus, this is considered "normal" property taxes.
All other taxing districts, e.g., schools, fire departments, etc., that propose taxes above the amount already considered regular property taxes by the State, Counties, and Cities are proposing taxes in "excess" of the "regular" taxes.
So, that's where the "excess" in the wording "excess taxes" comes from. Again, NOT A NEW TAX.
Last Updated on Sunday, 01 March 2009 05:43
Who We Are
Saturday, 03 January 2009 00:00
Citizens for Spokane Schools is a volunteer group dedicated to the support and improvement of Spokane Public Schools. We believe that a strong public school system, supported by local citizens is fundamental to a vibrant city. We are parents, retirees, students, business owners, trades-people, educators- in short, people just like you! Please browse our site and feel free to contact us for more information regarding our 2009 'Yes for Kids' school construction bond and education support levy campaign. Remember to mail in your ballot by March 10, 2009.
Last Updated on Thursday, 15 January 2009 22:07
How Can You Help?
Wednesday, 31 December 2008 00:00
Wear a button, plant a yard sign, write a letter to the editor of the newspaper, put a sign in your car! 'Friend' us on your Facebook or MySpace account- there are dozens of ways you can help us! Want to get more involved? We are always looking for volunteers to help us with our important work. Whether it is distributing information at school events, helping to place yard signs and banners, or making phone calls to local voters- we can use your time! Contact us and we will get back to you with information on how you can make a positive influence on the future of Spokane kids!
Last Updated on Wednesday, 14 January 2009 21:44
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