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Below are the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding Levies
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Levies are short-term, local property tax passed by the voters of a school district that generates revenue for the district to fund programs and services that the state does not fund or fully fund as part of "basic education". This FAQ helps breakdown some frequently asked questions.
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What is Centralia School District asking the voters in this election?
This levy is to replace the current levy. The current levy was approved for collection in 2022 and 2023. The approved collection is $4.5 million in 2022 and $4.6 million in 2023. The estimated cost to property owners when approved was $1.50 per $1000.
In Centralia School District, the proposed levy rate is $6.7 million in 2024 and $7.6 million in 2025. The estimated cost to property owners if approved is $1.50 per $1000 assessed property value to replace the current levy that expires December 2023.
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How will levy funds be used?
The budgeted amount below may change as the needs of the District continue to be assessed. The budgeted amounts below are in alignment with the strategic goals of the Centralia School District.
$1.50 Levy Expenditure
Budget
School and Student Climate
Athletics
$900,000
Clubs and Activities
$60,000
Mental Health and Student Behavioral Support
$698,280
Safe & Supportive Environment
Safety & Security Positions
$240,000
Student Safety & Building Security Systems
$297,000
Counselors & Nurses
$575,000
Grounds' Personnel
$95,000
Comprehensive Student Support Systems
Technology Staff
$595,000
Classroom Technology
$134,000
Powerful Core Instruction
Instructional Facilitators & Instructional Coaches
$750,000
Curriculum
$674,000
Visual and Performing Arts
$680,000
Whole Child Approach
Multilingual Learners
$75,000
Hi-Cap Services
$75,000
Special Education Services
$500,000
Diverse and Skilled Staff
Staff Recruitment & Retention
$23,000
*Inflationary Price Deflator Estimates
$328,720
Total Budgeted Expenditures
$6,700,000
The amounts included on the proposed expenditures included above may be adjusted to meet the ongoing needs of the district.
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How much will I pay?
As an example, the average homeowner of a $375,000 home (the median value in Centralia):
- Currently pays $480 per year
- with this levy will pay $563 per year
- this equals an approximate increase of $85 per year or about $7.08 per month
Click here for the levy calculator
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What is an Education Programs and Operations Replacement Levy?
An Education Programs and Operations Levy, previously referred to as an Maintenance Operations (M&O Levy), is a replacement levy to cover the gap between state funding and the cost of programs, services, and operations. School levies help pay for student services and programs not funded by other sources. District may run levies for up to four years and up to $2.50 per $1000 assessed property value.
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What is Local Effort Assistance (LEA)
To compensate for the difference in the ability to raise money through local levies, the state supplements certain districts, including Centralia, by providing additional funding called Local Effort Assistance (LEA). LEA is intended to ease the property tax burden of the districts with low property values, it is not intended to make equitable resources available to districts.
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When will the Levy expire?
The current Levy will expire in December 2023. The propsed levy would expire December 2025.
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If approved, when would this be collected?
The proposed levy would be collected in 2024 and 2025.
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What can levy funds pay for?
Levy funds can only be used for enhancement and programs that are not defined as basic education. This includes (but not limited to):
- Athletics: coaches, travel & supplies
- Activities: clubs & other extra-curricular activities
- School Counselors
- Technology: support & supplies
- Health & Safety: support & supplies
- Smaller class sizes and reduction in split classes
- Arts Enhancement: concerts, programs & classes
- Academic & Behavioral Intervention Support
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I am disabled and/or a senior citizen. Am I eligible for a tax break?
Yes, Washington State law provides two tax benefit programs for senior citizens and individuals who are disabled: property tax exemptions and property tax deferrals. For more information on qualifications, please contact your local county assessor's office.
Lewis County Assessor
351 NW North St, Chehalis, WA 98532
Phone: 360-740-1392
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How is a levy approved?
Levies require voter approval of a simple majority to pass (50%+1).
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What is a Levy rate?
A levy rate is the amount of property tax per $1000 of assessed property value to fund a voter approved levy amount. A levy rate of $1.50 means that for every $1000 of property value, the owner of the property pay up to $1.50 in taxes.
In the Centralia School District, the proposed levy rate of $6.7 million in 2024 and $7.6 million in 2025.
More information available at wwww.centraliaschools.org/levies
