Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
It’s the cold of winter. Temperatures hover, apparently, anywhere between -10 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. On a Tuesday, Friday or Saturday night, where do Lincoln County citizens like to spend their time?
At a local high school, taking in a high-level basketball game or wrestling meet.
What funds those events?
Levies.
High school students have worked hard on researching agricultural issues, familiarizing themselves with ag-related skills and studying their knowledge of the agricultural world. They’ve earned their way to state, or even Nationals.
How could they be part of an FFA chapter that helped them gain these skills?
Levies.
School safety is at the forefront of the national conversation and has been for over two decades since the Columbine shooting in 1999. Many parents feel more at ease knowing that law enforcement officers patrol School District grounds, forming relationships with students and having the knowledge and training to respond in the unspeakable worst-case scenario.
Where does most of those officers’ salaries come from?
Levies.
Technology is an unavoidable part of the modern world, and it is nearly impossible to achieve a modern education without access to the Internet. Many families can’t afford to buy their child a tablet or laptop, but the District provides a Chromebook for study use.
What helps fund those Chromebooks?
Levies.
You’re probably getting the picture by now. Nearly countless School District activities, needs and even salaries are paid through levy support.
Historically, Lincoln County voters have been largely supportive of school levies. It is the view of the Record-Times that the special election on Tuesday, Feb. 13 should be no different.
And the Districts have largely made it easier on your wallet.
In Davenport, the combined estimate of $3.30 per $1,000 assessed property value between the two proposed levies is about 35 cents less per $1,000 assessed value than what voters are paying in 2024.
Two Odessa School District levies, which combine for an estimated $2.27 per $1,000 assessed value, amount to about four cents less than what voters are paying on those levies in 2024. And a one-time bus levy is expiring, easing Odessa pocketbooks even more.
The Harrington School District’s levy estimate of $2.13 per $1,000 assessed value is about seven cents less per $1,000 assessed value than this year’s payout.
And the Reardan-Edwall School District’s estimate didn’t increase either, instead standing pat at an estimated $2 per $1,000 assessed property value.
The schools aren’t asking for more money. They’re asking for continued support of students, operations and by extension, their communities.
That’s why this election, a vote in favor of your local District’s levy is a vote in favor of your city, its children and families and the wellbeing of the county as a whole. We support a “yes” vote on School District replacement levy propositions in Davenport, Odessa, Reardan, Edwall and Harrington.
— Drew Lawson is the managing editor of the Lincoln County Record-Times. Email him at drew@cheneyfreepress.com.
Drew Lawson is the editor of the Davenport Times. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University.
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