Puyallup School District is asking voters to consider two levy proposals on the Feb. 8, 2022 Special Election ballot. Local levies are vital in filling the gap between state and federal funding and the actual cost of providing critical services to students, staff, and learning environments.
Levies are for learning and help fund experiences and spaces that support the whole child both in and out of the classroom. Together, the Replacement Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy and Capital Levy will provide quality and supportive learning experiences and spaces for Puyallup students, setting them up for success now and after high school.
Proposition 1:
Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy
The four-year replacement EP&O Levy will continue to provide critical funding for essential staff, programs, and services:
- - Classroom teachers
- - Instructional assistants
- - Nurses
- - Counselors
- - and more
Essential Programs and Services
- - Athletics and activities
- - Music and arts
- - Advanced courses
- - Special education
- - Student transportation
- - General maintenance of grounds and facilities
What is the estimated tax rate for each year?
What happens if the Replacement EP&O Levy doesn’t pass?
The Replacement EP&O levy represents 13% of the district’s total revenue. If the levy does not pass, the district loses critical funding resulting in fewer staff, larger class sizes, and limited programs impacting athletics and activities, music and arts, advanced courses, special education, student transportation, and general maintenance of grounds and facilities.
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Proposition 2:
Capital Levy
The six-year Capital Levy will support safe, secure, and efficient learning environments. In Aug. 2021, the Study and Survey Report conducted by an OSPI-certified consultant, provided a full analysis of buildings and sites needing critical repairs. Funding is needed to address the volume of work to repair, replace, or correct identified deficiencies.
Safety and Security
- - Upgrade fire protection infrastructure
- - Enhance security intrusion systems
- - Improve HVAC systems
- - Address traffic flow issues at identified schools
Facility Efficiency and Repairs
- - Expand technology access
- - Enhance school grounds, like junior high athletic tracks and elementary playgrounds
- - Replace critically deficient roofs, floors and lighting
- - Consolidate bus transportation facilities
- - Replace maintenance facility
What is the estimated tax rate of the Capital Levy?
What happens if the Capital Levy doesn’t pass?
Without this funding, the district’s ability to address critically deficient buildings and sites as identified in the Study and Survey Report would be impacted. If the levy does not pass, we would need to look at other ways to repair, replace, or correct deficiencies impacting the safety and security of staff and students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A levy is a local property tax collected by school districts to fund the portion of educational programs and operations that are not funded by the state. Both levies require a simple majority 50% +1 to pass.
Is there financial assistance available for property taxes?
Low-income seniors and people with disabilities, or other qualifying circumstances, may qualify for tax relief, exemption, or deferral. To apply for this exemption, call the Pierce County Tax Exemptions Office at (253) 798-2169 or visit the Pierce County Elections website.
The special election is on February 8, 2022. Ballots must be postmarked by this date if mailed or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on election day.
If I don’t want to mail in my ballot, where can I drop it off?
You can drop off your ballot at the following ballot drop box locations:
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- - Puyallup Library, 324 South Meridian, Puyallup
- - South Hill Library, 15420 Meridian E., Puyallup
- - Edgewood City Hall, 2224 104th Ave. E., Edgewood
Prop 1 (Replacement EP&O Levy) is a replacement tax, not a new tax. The total EP&O levy rates cannot exceed $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Prop 2 (Capital Levy) would collect $20.9 million each year over the course of 6 years.
The total tax rate change for a $500,000 home if both levies were to pass would be $23 per month.
What will the Replacement EP&O Levy pay for?
The four-year replacement EP&O Levy will continue to provide critical funding for essential staff, programs, and services like classroom teachers, Instructional assistants, nurses, counselors, and more. Essential programs and services include athletics and activities, music and arts, advanced courses, special education, student transportation, and general maintenance of grounds and facilities.
If passed, how will with the Replacement EP&O Levy affect my taxes?
The total EP&O levy rates cannot exceed $2.50. The replacement tax levy rate required to produce these levy amounts is estimated to be $2.49 in 2023 and $2.46 in 2024 through 2026 (estimated levy rate per $1,000 of assessed value). The exact tax levy rate and amounts to be collected may be adjusted based upon the limitations imposed by State law at the time of the levy.
This cost is not new — voters have supported the EP&O Levy since 2002. You can learn more about the relationship between property values and tax from the Pierce County Assessor.
What happens if the Replacement EP&O Levy doesn’t pass?
The Replacement EP&O levy represents 13% of the district’s total revenue. If the levy does not pass, the district will lose funding to retain and recruit highly qualified staff and offer programs including extracurricular activities, athletics, advanced courses, special education, student transportation, and general maintenance of grounds and facilities.
What will the Capital Levy pay for?
The Capital levy will support safe, secure, and efficient learning environments. The Aug. 2021 Study and Survey report provided a full analysis of existing building and site conditions. This data prioritizes a plan to upgrade deficiencies in order to provide optimal learning environments and spaces.
Safety and Security
- - Upgrade fire protection infrastructure
- - Enhance security intrusion systems
- - Improve HVAC systems
- - Address traffic flow issues at identified schools
Facility Efficiency and Repairs
- - Expand technology access
- - Enhance school grounds, like junior high athletic tracks and elementary playgrounds
- - Replace critically deficient roofs, floors, and lighting
- - Consolidate bus transportation facilities
- - Replace maintenance facility
What happens if the Capital Levy doesn’t pass?
Without capital levy funds, the district’s ability to address critically deficient learning spaces and buildings would be impacted. If the levy does not pass, we would need to look at other ways to address security and safety needs for students, and facilities identified in the Study and Survey as needing critical repairs, such as roofs and floors.
What is the estimated tax rate of the Capital Levy over six years?
The Capital Levy would collect $20.9 million each year over the course of 6 years.
*Per $1,000 of assessed property value
What is the total combined tax collection for school-related taxes?
Puyallup’s existing total tax rate is $4.32 per $1,000 of assessed property value
If both levies are approved, the estimated total combined tax rate change for a $500,000 home would be $23 per month.
What happens if property values increase?
If property values go up, the tax rate is adjusted downward. The school district cannot collect more than the amount approved by voters. Increases in property values do not generate more revenue for the school district.
Who can I speak with for more information about the proposed levies?