Wenatchee Considering Levy on February Ballot

The Wenatchee School Board heard staff recommendations on a replacement Educational Programs and Operations levy Tuesday, signaling that the district will likely place a levy on the February 9th ballot.

Chief Financial Officer Janette Bumgarner said staff suggested a levy similar to the rate that will be paid in 2021, roughly $2.10 per $1,000 of assessed property value. That equates to about $840 on a $400,000 home. The 2021 rate is only a projection, as the number is likely to fluctuate based on assessed property values.

"Total taxes starting in 2022 (would be) $12,000,000." said Bumgarner, "From there it's a 3% increase each year, which is $350,000 (annually)."

Bumgarner added that the 3% annual increases are based off of the "conservative" assumption that assessed property values will rise by at least that much. The levy would run 4 years from 2022 through 2025.

If the levy does not pass, the district would experience a reduction of about $15 million. State funds distributed to the district will decrease in the coming years due to increases in assessed property values as well as decreases in enrollment.

The school board will likely vote November 10th on a resolution to approve placing the levy on the February 9th ballot. The filing deadline for the upcoming February ballot is December 11th.