• Community. Equity. Achievement. Replacement Capital Levy 2022 

    Replacement Capital Levy Election February 8, 2022

     
    Thank you for your interest to learn more about the upcoming Replacement Capital Facilities Levy.
     
    On November 10, 2021, the Tumwater School Board of Directors passed a resolution that will place this measure on the February 8, 2022 ballot:
    • Four-year Replacement Capital Levy for Facility, Safety, and Instructional Technology Improvements. This would allow the district to collect $24.1M in funding over four years (2023-2026). The estimated tax impact of $.75 per $1,000 of assessed property value would replace the existing approximately $.80/$1,000 that is currently being collected for the existing Capital Levy that was previously approved by voters. This is not a new tax.

    Levies help the District pay for educational programs and operations costs that are not fully funded by the State.

    This Replacement Capital Levy will provide funding for projects such as these:

    • Technology/Chromebook purchase and replacement
    • Safety Upgrades - including camera system replacements and school intercom/safety alert systems
    • Earthquake/Seismic upgrades
    • Safety Lighting Improvements
    • Boiler/Chiller Replacements
     
    Please check out the Informational Flyer linked on the left-hand side of this page. Copies are available at the District Office, 621 Linwood Ave. SW or by calling 360-709-7000.
     
    Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
     
    Q: Is this a new tax?
    A:  No. The Capital Facilities Levy is not a new tax and replaces the two-year capital levy that was approved by voters in 2019. The overall TSD tax rates will remain stable and not increase above the 2021 or  2020 collections due to the voter-approved bond costs decreasing.
     
    Q:  What is the difference between a Levy and a Bond?
    A: The quick answer is that "Levies are for learning" and "Bonds are for buildings."  The Capital Facilities Levy will pay for new technology for our students and staff, improved safety and security of our facilities, facility improvements and repairs, pre-planning costs for the next new Tumwater school, and critical repairs to our buildings.
     
    Q: How will this effect taxes?  
    A: We expect the combined tax rate - which includes the EP&O Levy, current bonds, and the Capital Facilities Levy - to be approximately $5.00 per $1,000 of assessed value. 
     
     

    chart showing estimated tax rates

     
     
     
    Q: How can I estimate how much I'd pay for the Capital Facilities Levy?
    A: Locate your assessed property value. Divide it by $1,000. Next, multiply this amount by the estimated tax rate of $.75.
     
    Example: 
    $350,000 home / $1,000 x $.75 = $262.5 per year or $21.88 per month
     
    Q: Can Capital Facilities Levy funds be used to maintain staff positions or programs in the district?
    A: No, not in most cases. Capital Levy funds are kept in a separate fund than the general fund (which pays for most of our staff costs and programs). Capital levy funds can pay salaries of staff members that are supporting capital levy-funded projects.
     
    Q: How can I find out more information about my personal property tax history?
    A: View the Thurston County Assessor's A+ Parcel Look-Up to see complete data for your personal property.
     
    Q: How do I find out if I am tax exempt?
    A: A property tax exemption is available for qualifying seniors and disabled individuals. See the Department of Revenue's  website for details by clicking this link. 
     
    Levy questions and comments can be sent via email to: tsd.levy.information@tumwater.k12.wa.us or mailed to Superintendent Sean Dotson, Tumwater School District, 621 Linwood Ave SW, Tumwater, WA 98512, or by calling 360-709-7001.