Levies

Building Finley's Future Together

Replacement Educational Program & Operations (EP&O) Levy

April 22, 2025

Finley School District has proposed a replacement Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy on the April 22, 2025 ballot to replace the existing levy expiring in 2025. The EP&O levy funds learning programs and services not fully funded by the state.

When is the election?

  • Election day is April 22, 2025
  • Look for your ballot in the mail the week of April 4
  • Find voting information or register to vote online at voteWA.gov.

How are your levy dollars used in Finley?

  • Athletics  
  • Extracurriculars, Activities & Clubs  
  • Instructional Supplies & Curriculum
  • Technology Equipment & Services
  • Maintenance & Operations
    • Custodians
    • Buildings and grounds
    • Utilities
  • Staffing & Student Support
    • School Nurses
    • Secretaries
    • Learning support paraprofessionals

FACTS & FIGURES 

How much will the replacement EP&O Levy cost?

The proposed replacement EP&O Levy would be collected over a two-year period in 2026 and 2027, following the end of the current levy in 2025. The estimated tax rates are:

  • $1.89/$1,000 of assessed value in 2026
  • $1.99/$1,000 of assessed value in 2027
It is important to remember that if property values rise, the tax rate is adjusted downward. The district cannot collect more than the amounts listed above and approved by the voters.

Why is tax rate shown above an estimate?

Due to rising property values, voters often never end up paying the proposed ballot rate. The chart below shows the ballot rates of $2.25 and $2.27 per thousand in 2024 and 2025 years, but the actual payment from the voters valued at $1.70.

chart of past proposed tax rates and actual tax rates

The proposed rate for the April 22 ballot measure is a near match for what taxpayers are currently paying with the existing EP&O levy it will replace.

If the EP&O Levy passes the district will receive matching money from the state.

If the EP&O Levy passes, and only if it passes, the district will receive additional matching money from the state at a rate of $0.19 per every $1 raised. That means the district will receive an additional $459,798 in state matching funds if the levy passes.  

What happens if voters do not approve the 2025 levy?

With replacement levy: $1 million deficitEven with the passage of the replacement EP&O levy, Finley School District will still have a $1 million budget shortfall. We are anticipating making some reductions with the passing of the EP&O levy, including:

  • Retaining high school athletics, with cuts to:
    • transportation to local contests
    • uniform replacements
    • summer camps and after-school workouts
    • C-teams
  • Reducing the number of middle school athletic teams
  • Cuts to clubs including SADD, Drama, FCA, Leadership, band clubs, and supplemental curriculum and subscriptions for classrooms
  • Reductions to:
    • Administrative salaries
    • 5 teacher positions
    • 10 classified support positions

without replacement levy: $2 million deficitIf voters do not approve the April 2025 replacement EP&O levy, the district will need to identify approximately $2 million dollars of budget reductions for the 25-26 school year. The items being considered include:

  • Cancelling all athletics
  • Modifications to the student calendar (such as a 4-day school week)
  • Staff reductions of:
    • 1-2 administrator positions 
    • 2 district office positions 
    • 7-8 teacher positions 
    • 12-15 classified support positions

Where does school funding come from?

The primary sources of school funding for Washington’s public schools come from state and federal grants, state funding, and local levies and bonds. Local levy dollars, combined with the state matching funds accounted for approximately 12% of Finley School District’s annual budget in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

Finley School District 2023-2024 Revenue Sources:
Revenue Source Amount Received
State Basic Education Funding $8,633,872
State Grants $3,576,375
Federal Grants $1,577,938
Local EP&O Levy
 $1,453,679 
State Matching Funds $379,604 

Is there a tax break for senior citizens?

Yes! Washington State law provides two tax benefit programs for senior citizens and individuals who are disabled - property tax exemptions and property tax deferrals. For more information on qualifications, please contact the Benton County Assessor's Office at (509) 786-5620.

Still have questions?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Finley's levy propositions, please feel free to contact our district office at (509) 586-3217.