SOUTH COUNTY - Voters in the Wahluke and Royal School Districts passed their maintenance and operation levies with room to spare on Feb. 14.

Wahluke voters voted 351-234 in favor of the levy for a 60 percent yes vote. Royal voted 488-292 for a 62.56 percent yes vote. Only 50 percent plus one vote was needed for passage.

Both districts sought two-year levies. Royal was seeking $1,102,000 in 2013 and $1,135,000 in 2014. The levy rate both years will be $2.24 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

Wahluke was asking a rate of $2.91 per $1,000 both years. That will generate $1,346,000 in 2013 and $1,383,000 in 2014.

Funds from levies and the funding they trigger from state and federal sources are dedicated to programs that are desired locally but aren't paid for by the state basic education program.

"Thank you to our community members from Mattawa, Desert Aire, and the surrounding areas for supporting the Wahluke replacement levy," Superintendent Aaron Chavez said.

Royal Business Manager David Andra said: "I am very pleased that the community continues to support our schools. I would like to thank everybody involved in making this happen and the voters for investing in our students."