School levy passing in first count of votes

The Wahkiakum School District's four-year, $997,000 program and operations levy was passing when votes were counted Tuesday evening.

The margin was close, 610 yes, 575 no, an approval rate of 51.48 percent.

Wahkiakum County elections officials said 100 late arriving votes remained to be counted, and more could arrive by mail this week before the second count, which will be Friday at 11 a.m.

As described on the ballot, the proposed four-year replacement levy would authorize collection of taxes to provide up to $997,000 in 2023, $997,000 in 2024, $997,000 in 2025, and $997,000 in 2026. The tax levy rate required to produce these levy amounts is estimated to be $1.78 per $1,000 of assessed value.

School district officials say the taxes collected by this levy will pay expenses of educational programs and operations that are not fully funded by the State of Washington, including technology, athletics, smaller class sizes, school safety, instructional materials, special education, maintenance, student activities, and support staff.

The early result pleased district residents who supported the levy and gathered Tuesday evening at a Cathlamet restaurant to go over results.

The result is close, and a heavy no vote later this week could defeat the levy.

"We're cautiously optimistic," Ron Wright, one of a committee who led an effort to support the levy, said Tuesday evening. "We want to thank the voters for their support."

School District 200 Proposition No. 1

Precinct Yes No

04 - Skamokawa 47 56

05 - Elochoman 115 136

06 - Rosedale 51 41

07 - Columbia 104 105

08 - East Puget Island 94 46

09 - West Puget Island 108 123

10 - South Cathlamet 55 41

11 - North Cathlamet 36 27

Total 610 575

Percent in Favor 51.48%

2843 registered voters, 1185 cast, 41.68%