A Pasco School District Educational Programs and Operations Levy measure will be on the February 13, 2018 ballot. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the Educational Programs and Operations Levy measure.

I just received a postcard in the mail that contains information about the levy, and also shows a "Voter Report Card" and whether I voted in the last several elections. Did this postcard come from the District?

No. We've heard from a variety of people in the community who have concerns about a flyer distributed by a citizens group that contained voter information. This information was not obtained by the Pasco School District, and this flyer was not produced or distributed by the District.

Information about the 2018 levy, including a copy of the brochure that was mailed out by the Pasco School District to all Pasco households, is available HERE.

Why does Pasco School District need a levy?

The levy allows the District to continue quality educational programs and services which are not fully funded by the State. Levy money makes up about 18.7% of the District's operating budget.

What are levy equalization funds?

If the levy is approved, the District will receive an additional $15.8 million in State levy equalization funds in 2019 and similar amounts in 2020-2022. The state provides this money to school districts which have relatively low property values so students in less affluent or smaller districts receive a comparable education to students in wealthier districts

Will my property taxes go up?

In 2019, local property taxes are expected to drop from the estimated $3.95 per $1,000 of assessed property value to $1.50 per $1,000.

State property taxes will increase by an estimated $0.89 per $1,000 of assessed property value in Franklin County as a result of HB 2242, which was passed by the State Legislature in 2017.

Property taxes vary depending on whether your property was assessed recently at higher value. The amount depends on the increased assessed value. It is also possible for property taxes to go down if the property hasn’t been recently assessed or if new higher valued property is added to the county’s tax base.

What is the combined total of Pasco's bond and levy rates?

The chart below shows the history of Pasco's combined bond and levy rates, starting in 2006. The estimated rates for 2019 show a significant drop in the combined bond and levy tax rate for Pasco taxpayers.

As the total assessed valuation of all property in Franklin County goes up, does Pasco School District collect more money?

No. The District can only collect the fixed amount of money approved by the voters.

What happens if the levy does not pass?

District staff would recommend the Board run the levy again in April. If the levy fails twice, District funding would be reduced by $26 million resulting in significant budget cuts to staff and operations.

What percentage of voters must approve it to pass?

School levies require a simple majority or 50% plus one vote.

When is the election?

February 13, 2018

When will ballots be mailed?

No later than January 26, 2018

If you have questions about the 2018 levy, please call 509-543-6700 to talk with someone or set up an appointment.