Ballot measures for February 13

Clare McGraw

Cheney Free Press

CHENEY – Mark your calendars for February 13, as a special election is just around the corner, offering Spokane County voters the opportunity to weigh in on numerous measures proposed by their respective local school districts. Keep an eye on Cheney School District, which has three measures on the ballot.

Proposition No. 1 aims to replace an existing educational programs and operation levy expiring at the end of 2024. This three-year replacement levy would offer funding of up to $16,125,000 in 2025, $17,100,000 in 2026, and $17,950,000 in 2027. The levy aims to support various educational aspects not fully funded by the State, including school safety, athletics, and special education. The estimated tax levy rate required to produce these amounts is estimated to be $1.97 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Proposition No. 2 seeks authorization to issue $72,000,000 of bonds for critical projects. These projects include the construction of an additional elementary school in Airway Heights, district-wide health and facility improvements, and acquiring land for new facilities. The bonds would be repaid from annual excess property taxes, estimated at a tax rate of $0.53 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Shifting to Proposition No. 3, the focus is on replacing an expiring capital levy. The funds collected would be utilized for technology, safety, security, and infrastructure improvements throughout existing school facilities. This includes acquiring and modernizing instructional technology equipment and enhancing safety features. The proposed three-year replacement levy aims to collect taxes, providing $740,000 in 2025, $780,000 in 2026, and $820,000 in 2027, with an estimated tax levy rate of $0.09 per $1,000 of assessed value.