As many of you know, the pool is in need of some major repairs. It is currently operational and being used by the OHS Swim Team, Olympia Country Swimmers, and our OHMS PE classes. At the August 2023 Board of Education meeting, the Board determined that additional revenue is needed to repair the pool and to keep up with annual maintenance costs. In addition to the pool, there are much needed repairs in various places around the District. An increase in the Operations and Maintenance tax rate would support the pool and other items that are in need of repair / updates. Since the value of District property has increased, the District will be able to adjust some of our variable rate funds down by 25 cents and adjust the Operations and Maintenance rate up 25 cents - if the voters approve the 25 cent increase in the O & M rate. Therefore, voting yes to this ballot question would not increase the tax rate.
The Education Fund (75% of this fund pays staff salaries) has been running a deficit for many years. The deficit is the result of changes in State Funding, the rising cost of living, salary minimums imposed by State Law, etc. In March, 2024 the District will also be asking for an increase in the Education Fund rate. However, the District has bond payments rolling off at the same time the increase would go into effect. The Education rate would increase, but there would be no net impact on your tax rate. Our revenue in this fund simply cannot keep up with our needs - specifically staffing needs / salaries. We are not competitive with local districts at this time.
Essentially, the tax rate will remain the same with a ‘yes’ vote. We will just be asking voters to allow us to funnel the money into the funds that are most in need - Operations and Maintenance and the Education Fund. By law, these funds cannot be raised unless the majority of the voters agree to that. We currently have the lowest or second lowest rates in our Ed Fund and O & M Fund when compared to over 15 local Districts.
There will be much more referendum information shared in the future - we are in the early stages of planning. You can expect the District to share information via social media, parent updates, in person meetings, etc