If approved, levy would fund programs

SOAP LAKE - Representatives of the Soap Lake School District gave the Soap Lake City Council a presentation about a proposed four-year school levy Wednesday night.

The levy election is set for Feb. 19.

Soap Lake School District Fiscal Director Denise Mehal said the levy is a four-year tax and is not considered a "new" tax. She said it replaces the current two-year levy passed in 2006.

If passed, the levy would generate $516,025 in 2009. For 2010 it increases to generate $567,628. In 2011 it is $624,391 and in 2012 the levy is $686,830, Mehal said.

She said the levy is funded by Soap Lake citizens through a tax based on property value. The collection rate is $28.59 per $100,000 assessed valuation. Homeowners would see an approximate $2 increase each month for three years.

She said the levy is approximately 10 percent more than the last levy.

The state offers matching funds each year, helping the 2009 levy total to increase to more than $800,000, Mehal said.

"Levies are a big part of our funding structure in schools," Soap Lake School District Superintendent John Adkins said.

The previous school levy passed with more than 60 percent voter approval, he added.

Adkins said there are several programs offered by the school district made possible by school levies. He said the school district is fiscally responsible with regard to spending the levy funds.

The existing levy pays for several programs, including transportation and meals.

Mayor Wayne Hovde said he has seen significant improvement at the school district with the passage of levies. He said the facilities and student behavior has improved.

Flyers with more information were mailed out to Soap Lake residents.