Lyle School District Proposes Replacement Levy at Lowest Tax Rate in Years
Lyle School. Photo Credit: Lyle School District
By Cole Goodwin
The Lyle School District is asking voters to approve a three-year replacement levy that would maintain current funding levels while reducing the proposed rate per $1,000. The levy, which would be in effect from 2024 to 2026, would fund staff positions, athletics, music, art, classroom supplies, coaches, and bus service outside of what the state funds.
The proposed rate per $1,000 is lower than in past years, with the district requesting approval of total collections of up to $700,000 in 2024, 2025, and 2026. This is the same total amount approved by voters in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
It is important to note that this is not a new tax, but rather a replacement of the current levy that expires at the end of 2023. Additionally, funds from the sale of the Dallesport building can only be used for capital projects and not for the education programming costs that the levy funds.
Property owners can expect to pay $36.83 per month or about $9.21 per week for a home valued at $325,000 (an estimated tax rate of $1.36) in 2024. In 2025, this would decrease to $34.93 per month and $32.29 per month in 2026.
The district has said that they have kept, and will continue to keep, their promise to “collect no more—and probably quite a bit under—the full $700,000 per year” approved by voters. Additionally, the levy makes up 14% of the district’s total operating budget and pays for important school staff positions, technology costs, student meals, and programs that motivate students to stay in school and work hard.
"Lyle's community levy provides funding for people, programs, and services that our kids rely on," said Ann Varkados, Superintendent of Lyle School District. "Teaching staff; athletics and activities; student meals; and Career and Technical Education are all levy-funded and all depend on local community levy support."
Those who are disabled or over 61 years of age may be eligible for tax exemptions. More information can be received by contacting the Klickitat County Assessor’s Office. Voting for this replacement levy will end February 14th, so it is important for community members to make their voices heard.
