Six school districts seeking replacement levies on Feb. 10
If approved, the measures will pay for education programs and operations not funded by the state.
EPHRATA — Along with Ephrata, six other public school districts based in Grant County are seeking voter approval of money measures during special elections on Feb. 10.
While Ephrata’s proposition is for a $75 million, 25-year construction financing bond, the other half-dozen school districts are proposing property tax levies of two and four years to replace existing levies which expire at the end of 2026.
If approved, all six measures will pay for education programs and operations not funded by the state. Those costs can include sports and other extra-curricular activities, maintenance, staff training, food services, utilities, instructional materials, and some security and technology needs.
Levies only need simple-majority votes for passage. Bonds need 60% voter approval plus a 40% minimum turnout of the number of voters who cast ballots in the last general election.
Ballots were mailed out last week by the Grant County elections department. To be counted, ballots must be returned to designated collection sites or postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day (Feb. 10).
Here’s a summary of each district’s proposed replacement EPO/enrichment levy, including annual collection amounts and estimated tax rates per $1,000 of assessed property valuations:
COULEE-HARTLINE: 2027 - $350,600, 81 cents; 2028 - $350,600, 74 cents.
QUINCY: 2027 - $10.72 million; 2028 - $11.04 million; 2029 - $11.37 million; 20230 - $11.71 million. Estimated tax rate is $1.25 per $1,000 each year.
ROYAL: 2027 - $2 million; 2028 - $2.1 million. Estimated tax rate is $1.63 each year.
WAHLUKE (MATTAWA): 2027 - $3 million; 2028 - $3.15 million; 2029 - $3.31 million; 2030 - $3.47 million. Estimated tax rate is $2.50 each year.
WILSON CREEK: 2027 - $386,000; 2028 - $397,500. Estimated tax rate is $2.50 each year.
WARDEN: 2027 - $2.158 million, $2.40; 2028 - $2.31 million, $2.45. Warden is also proposing a separate two-year replacement levy for safety, security, and technology improvements. Collection amounts are $377,667 in 2027 and $396,550 in 2028, both with an estimated tax rate of 42 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
Ephrata’s bond proposition seeks funding to construct new schools to replace aging Grant Elementary and Parkway Intermediate schools, plus add new classrooms, improved security access and a new performing arts center at Ephrata High School.
A small number of voters in Grant County will also receive ballots from Lincoln and Adams county election officials for replacement levy propositions sought by the Odessa and Othello school districts, respectively.
