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 Election Date:
February 14, 2012
Replacement
Levy Facts
DID YOU KNOW...
• Proposed taxpayer levy rates are similar to last year's
rates
• Increases in home values will not increase tax collections
• Replacement levy funds about 20% of the district's
budget
• Levy funding pays for library staff and health clinicians
• Levy dollars lower class size, fund training and buy
materials
• Pays for specialists not funded by the state (PE &
Music)
• Funds all extra-curricular activities (music, sports,
drama, FFA)
• Voters approved a similar levy in 2008
• Levy dollars help employ more than 100 staff
 Please Watch:
Superintendent Miller Levy Video
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Table
of Contents
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Educational
Programs and Operations Replacement Levy Summary
The voter-approved 2008 Replacement Levy expires in December
2012 and this Levy would replace it. An educational program
Maintenance & Operations Levy is a local property tax,
authorized by voters for a period of time of not more than
four years, to be used for the instructional and related support
program costs in the General Fund of a school district.
The state only funds approximately 72 percent of the district’s
General Fund budget for Walla Walla Public Schools. Thus,
the school district depends on local funding for about 18
percent of the General Fund budget. The remaining portion
comes from the federal government and other miscellaneous
sources. | Back to Top |
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Replacement Levy Fact Sheets
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Replacement
Levy Amount
The proposed levy will cost taxpayers about the same per thousand
as was approved by voters in 2008. This proposal is for a
replacement of the existing levy.
2013 - $10,227,450 (projected rate $3.64 per $1,000)
2014 - $10,483,136 (projected rate $3.70 per $1,000)
2015 - $10,745,215 (projected rate $3.75 per $1,000)
2016 - $11,013,845 (projected rate $3.81 per $1,000)
These rates are based on per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Election
Date
• Election date: Tuesday, February 14, 2012
• Ballots mailed: Friday, January 27, 2012
• 50% + 1 vote required for approval
• Four-year levy
Cost
to Property Owners
The proposed levy amounts are
similar to what property owners are currently paying.
| Value of Home |
2012 Amount Paid |
Proposed Replacement Amount
for 2013 |
| $175,000 |
$628.25 |
$637 |
| $250,000 |
$897.50 |
$910 |
These approximate amounts are
based on:
• $3.64/$1,000 in 2013
• $3.70/$1,000 in 2014
• $3.75/$1,000 in 2015
• $3.81/$1,000 in 2016 | Back to Top |
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Critical
Funding Source
This proposed Educational Programs and Operations
Replacement Levy would help maintain the current level of
teaching and educational programs. This proposed Replacement
Levy impacts nearly all aspects of district programs and services
by funding nearly 20 percent of the district’s General
Fund.
Local
Economic Impact
Walla Walla Public Schools is a strong driver in the local economy.
This replacement levy infuses approximately $10 million into
the school district annually. Most of these dollars are spent
locally be the staff and district.
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Voters
Registration Information
Voter registration forms are available at
the district office and all WWPS schools. The district’s
Programs & Operations Replacement Levy election date is
February 14, 2012.
There are two deadlines for voters wishing to cast a ballot
for the February 14 Replacement Levy:
Monday, January 16 is the deadline is for voters registering
by mail, online, or transferring their registration/making
address changes within the state of Washington.
Monday, February 6 is the deadline for people who are not
registered anywhere in the state of Washington and did not
meet the January 16 deadline. They are eligible to register
in person at the Walla Walla County Elections Department at
310 W Poplar Street.
For additional information:
Dale Grogan, Voter Registration Coordinator
Walla Walla County Auditor’s Office
Elections Department
310 W. Poplar Street
PO Box 2176
Walla Walla, WA 99362
509-524-2530-mainline
509-524-2535-directline
509-524-2552-fax
dgrogan@co.walla-walla.wa.us
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Tax
Exemptions
The Senior Citizen and Disabled Person Property Tax Exemption
Program freezes the value of the residence, exempts all excess
levies and may exempt a portion of regular levies for qualified
applicants. This results in a reduction of the property taxes.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Age or Disability
Applicants must be at least 61 years of age or unable to work
because of a disability by December 31 of the application/assessment
year. Proof of age or disability is required.
Ownership
The exemption is available on the principal residence and
up to one acre of land; however, zoning requirements for larger
parcels can allow up to five acres. A mobile home may qualify
as a residence, even if the applicant does not own the land
where the mobile home is located. The property must be occupied
for at least six months each year.
The exemption can continue if the senior or disabled person
is temporarily in a licensed care facility, such as a hospital,
nursing home, boarding home, or adult family home, if the
residence is rented with the income declared. The home may
also be vacant or occupied by someone financially dependent
on the applicant or by a non-paid caretaker.
Household Income
The annual household income may not exceed $35,000. Household
Income includes the applicant’s disposable income
including that of their spouse or domestic partner, and any
co-tenants. A co-tenant is a person living in the home who
also has an ownership interest. If the household income is
between $35,000 and $40,000, the deferral program may be of
assistance. (Please contact the Walla Walla County Assessor's
Office for more information about the deferral program).
Computing Disposable Income (Household Income)
The combined disposable income determines eligibility and
the level of exemption. Continued eligibility is determined
by providing income information on a scheduled basis. Disposable
income includes all sources, whether or not they are taxable
for federal income tax purposes. Losses and depreciation may
not be deducted from income. Proof of income is required.
This proof is obtained from the most recent year’s IRS
tax return and/or 1099’s, W-2, interest statements,
etc.
Common Sources of Income
• Wages, salaries and tips
• Social Security benefits
• Railroad retirement benefits
• Pension and annuity receipts, including retirement,
bonds, IRAs and distributions from Keogh plans. An annuity
is a payment of a fixed sum of money received at regular
intervals. Examples include insurance annuities, disability
payments, unemployment compensation, and welfare receipts.
• Interest and dividend receipts
• Capital gains. Can also include gains from sale
of previous principal residence unless invested in replacement
residence
• Business Income. Depreciation and business losses
may not be deducted
• Rental Income. Depreciation and rental losses may
not be deducted
• Military pay and benefits with the exception of
VA Disability Payments
• Contributions to household expenses by other adult
residents
Deductions from Disposable Income
• Non-reimbursed amounts paid for the applicant and/or
spouse to live in a nursing home, boarding home or adult
family home
• Non-reimbursed amounts paid for prescription drugs
• Non-reimbursed amounts paid for over-the-counter
medications. These must be medications prescribed by a physician
and purchased over the counter. A note from the physician
listing all OTC medications and receipts are required.
• Insurance premiums for Medicare under Title XVIII
of the Social Security Act
• Non-reimbursed amounts paid for in-home services
including physical therapy, personal care, Hospice, supplies,
equipment, etc., which enable the applicant to remain in
their home. A physician’s verification of need is
required.
Exemption
| Income $0 - $25,000 |
Exempt all Excess Levies
Exempt Regular Levies on the greater of:
$60,000 assessed value or 60% of the frozen value |
| Income $25,001 - $30,000 |
Exempt all Excess Levies
Exempt Regular Levies on the greater of:
$50,000 assessed value or 35% of the frozen value, not to exceed $70,000 |
| Income of $30,000 - $35,000 |
Exempt all Excess Levies |
To Apply
Bring documentation of income and deductions to the Assessor’s
Office to apply for the Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons
Property Tax Exemption. Appointments are not necessary; however,
calling in advance to verify documentation requirements may
be helpful and save an extra visit.
Contact the office if special accommodation is needed to
complete the application process.
For more information regarding this program, please contact
the Walla Walla County Assessor's Office 509/524-2560 or email:
assessor@co.walla-walla.wa.us or canselmo@co.walla-walla.wa.us
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Frequently
Asked Questions
What do school levies pay for?
Local levies support school needs. The replacement levy pays
for approximately 20 percent of the District’s operating
budget to support education programs and school operations.
• Additional teachers and specialists
• approximately
100 classified support staff
• school safety staff
• elementary music specialists
• health clinicians
• library-media specialists
• elementary physical
education specialists
• school supplies
•
building maintenance and grounds
• technology
• extra-curricular programs (athletics, music, drama, FFA and more)
• transportation
for school activities
My home was recently reassessed
and now has a higher value. How does the levy impact my property
taxes based on my home’s new value?
As property values go up, the cost per thousand to fund the
levy goes down.
The tax contribution per thousand from property owners goes
down because the tax-base broadens through reassessment, new
home building and the greater overall value of the community.
Now that homes have been reassessed in Walla Walla
and there is greater overall value within the community, does
the district get more money?
No. Law prohibits collection of more money than the total
figure approved by voters - even if property assessments increase.
Why a four-year levy?
• Provides stability for essential educational programs
and activities.
• Taxpayers are able to forecast their tax rates for
a longer period of time.
• Saves money. Cuts expensive election costs.
• Allows more time to focus on educational issues to
meet today’s tough state and federal requirements.
Do other communities get some of my local levy dollar
if this measure is approved?
No, all local levy dollars stay in Walla Walla Public Schools.
Levy dollars make up approximately 20 percent of the district’s
general fund operating budget.
What if the Levy does not pass?
The Walla Walla Public Schools operating budget would be reduced
by more than $10 million per year.
The full impact would take place over two years because tax
collections (January through December) do not coincide with
school years (September through August).
Election Information
• Call Superintendent Mick Miller at 526-6714 or
e-mail: mmiller@wwps.org
• Communications Director Mark Higgins at 526-6716
or e-mail: mhiggins@wwps.org
• Online: www.wwps.org
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