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This November: EP&O Levy Renewal & Bond

 

Maintaining Consistent Tax Rates & Costs

 

Because the two proposed measures are replacing existing levies that are expiring, if the levy and bond pass, tax rates are projected to stay consistent! In 2020, we promised voters a combined tax rate under $4.12 per $1,000 valuation.  In 2024, we delivered on a $2.81 combined tax rate, and 2025’s rate is projected to be lower.

We aim to maintain the current combined tax rate with the proposed 2024 EP&O Levy and Bond. 

*Future rates are estimates

Minimizing Burden on Local Tax Payers

The Plan is Working! 

While other taxes have increased, Port Angeles School District has focused on maintaining a consistent tax rate. The proposed EP&O Levy and Bond would only cost $1,253 annually over the next seven years. This is only an annual increase of $3.00!!!

Based on a $409,909 Port Angeles home, the average homeowner paid $1,250 in 2023 for the capital projects levy and EP&O levy. The current proposal is estimated to cost the average homeowner $2.70/$1,000 valuation. Based on current home cost growth assumptions, the average homeowner would pay $1,212 in 2026, up to $1,292 in 2029. 

Prioritizing Facilities with Highest Needs

  • PAHS & Franklin Elementary (70+ year-old facilities) exceed the average national school building age of 46 years (NCES). 
  • Despite regular maintenance, the facilities are at the end of their useful lives. 
  • These facilities have not received major updates or renovations since the 1970s.
  • Increased maintenance costs will result in cuts to essential services and staffing. 

 

Port Angeles High School

 

Focusing on Safety

  • The new Port Angeles High School facility (dashed line shows approx. footprint) will have a modern, single point-of-entry.
  • The current facility has 13 buildings with 147 exterior doors.
  • A single point-of-entry enables staff to control and monitor building access.

Franklin Elementary Replacement

  • Constructed in 1954
  • Building is at the end of its useful life and has the highest maintenance needs.
  • If approved, $43 million of bond funds will be used to construct a new facility at the Franklin Elementary School site.
  • It would cost more to renovate than replace.

Bonds vs. Levies

Schools ask voters to approve two types of funding measures for facility updates:

  • Capital Levies: Short-term measures for modernizing and replacing school buildings, allowing phased project completion. Must wait for taxes to be collected before money can be used.
  • Bonds: Long-term measures for larger projects like new school construction or major renovations. Bonds are sold to investors and repaid with interest from property tax collections over 10-40 years. All funds can be available immediately. Bonds require a 60% supermajority to pass.

Click here to learn more about how schools fund new construction. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

30-Year Plan Phases & Timeline

 

Wrapping up Phase 1: 2020 Capital Levy

On time and under budget! 

Invested in modern school safety features 
Constructed safety vestibules at all elementary schools
Opened Monroe Playfield 
Utilizing funds through property sales, timber revenues, and Capital Levy funds, PASD opened an artificial turf field in October 2023 at the former site of Monroe Elementary School. 
Will construct a new middle school facility 
Utilizing Capital Levy funds, construction on a new middle school facility is scheduled to begin in 2026  once all Capital Levy Funds are collected.
 

 

Middle School Project Update

  • New middle school design unveiled: June 13, 2024
  • PASD has contracted with Forma Construction to build the new middle school
  • PASD has collected $37, 330,426 of the total $52,655,650 capital funds to be collected from the 2020 Capital Levy.
  • Construction will begin once all levy and state-assistance funds are collected.
  • Construction will begin in 2026.