PORT TOWNSEND — Officials in five Jefferson County public school districts were relieved and grateful after voters overwhelmingly approved their property tax levies.
Each of the proposed levies in the Port Townsend, Chimacum, Quilcene, Brinnon and Queets-Clearwater districts passed by more than 60 percent in Tuesday’s special election.
In Clallam County, a levy for Crescent School District in Joyce also passed.
All measures needed a simple majority for passage.
Proceeds are expected to offset some of the state’s educational budget cuts.
“The way that the community supports the schools is a vote of confidence for us,” said Port Townsend Schools Superintendent Gene Laes after a capital levy to upgrade and renovate facilities passed by 63.02 percent, with 3,383 approving it and 2,044, or 36.98 percent, rejecting it out of 5,527 votes cast.
“We will manage this money well and take care of the facilities we have and the technology we have and see what we want to do next,” Laes said.
“This represents the future for Port Townsend students.”
Chimacum Assistant Superintendent Art Clark said he was grateful for the consistent community support that has funded renovations over the last several decades after 60.88 percent approved a six-year replacement capital projects levy.
Out of 4,202 votes cast, 2,558 were in favor and 1,644, or 39.12 percent, were opposed.
“I am elated,” said Quilcene High School Principal Jim Betteley after the initial vote was announced at the Jefferson County Courthouse on Tuesday night.
“The way the economy is, we were wondering whether or not this would pass.”
In Quilcene, out of 613 votes cast, 396 or 64.6 percent, approved the measure while 217, or 35.4 percent, opposed it.
In Brinnon, 343, or 61.03 percent, approved a two-year replacement levy with 219, or 38.97 percent, opposed out of 562 votes cast.
“The community has reached out and supported the schools again, which shows how important they are,” said Wally Lis, superintendent of the Quilcene and Brinnon districts.
Lis said that Brinnon and Quilcene have different needs but that the communities align in their support of the schools.
More than 70 percent approval
The Queets-Clearwater School District showed the highest approval rate with 70.59 percent voting in favor.
This represented 24 votes in support and 10 opposed out of 34 cast for a three-year levy sought by the small West End district that has 90 registered voters and serves 28 students.
The levy revenue of $75,000 annually will have a tremendous impact, said Superintendent Mike Ferguson.
“For us, that money will go a long way,” he said.
“This will make a difference and will allow us to provide programs that a district this isolated could not usually afford,” he added.
“We have the best technology of any school district in the state, and will be able to continue this trend.”
Here are details of the levies that will begin to be collected in 2013:
■ Port Townsend’s capital levy will generate $1,181,500 each year for a total of $4,726,000 over four years.
It will cost property owners 51 cents per $1,000 the first year and 58 cents per $1,000 each of the following years.
It will go toward upgrading technology, roofs, carpets, telecommunications, sidewalks and security systems and to renovate Grant Street School, Port Townsend High School, Blue Heron Middle School and the bus barn.
■ Chimacum’s six-year capital projects levy will fund facility and technology renovations and upgrades.
It will raise $1,325,000 each year for a total of $7,950,000.
The estimated amount per $1,000 assessed value it will cost property owners is — in order from 2013 to 2018 — 81 cents, 80 cents, 84 cents, 83 cents, 83 cents and 82 cents.
■ Quilcene’s four-year maintenance and operation replacement levy will collect $495,500 its first year, $510,365 the second year, $525,230 the third year and $540,095 the fourth year for maintenance and operations
The estimated amount per $1,000 assessed value it will cost property owners is $1.46 the first year, $1.51 the second year, $1.55 the third year and $1.60 the fourth year.
■ Brinnon’s two-year maintenance and operation replacement levy will raise $239,653 the first year and $299,526 the second year.
The estimated amount per $1,000 assessed value it will cost property owners is $1.08 in 2013 and $1.10 in 2014.
■ The Queets-Clearwater’s three-year replacement levy will support educational programs and operations.
It will raise $75,000 annually, and cost property owners an estimated $1.63 per $1,000 valuation each year.
________
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
