A reminder that Waitsburg School District needs voters to approve 2026 Levy

WAITSBURG — Waitsburg School District has a two-year replacement Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy on the Feb. 10, 2026, ballot. This levy will replace Waitsburg’s current levy, approved by voters in 2024, and is now up for renewal. This is not a new tax.

If taxpayers approve, the school district will use the levy to support school programs not fully funded by the state. Please feel free to contact the Waitsburg Superintendent’s Office at 509-337-6301 with questions or to learn more about the school levy.

2026 Levy Quick Facts:

A levy is a locally approved tax based on property values.

Waitsburg’s 2026 replacement levy is not a new tax.

The levy pays for educational programs not fully funded by the state, including preschool, athletics, extracurricular activities, music, STEM programs, technology, instructional materials and equipment, student support, food services, transportation, maintenance, and operations.

The proposed levy rate is estimated at $2.50 per $1,000 assessed property value to be collected in 2027 and 2028.

In addition, if the EP&O levy is approved, the district will receive an additional $487,946 from the state ($263,127 in 2027 and $224,819 in 2028) in state matching funds, also known as Local Effort Assistance (LEA).

The local levy and state matching funds (LEA) comprise approximately 15% of the Waitsburg School District’s budgeted revenue.

Year Total EP&O Projected EP&O tax rate (per $1,000 assessed prop. Val.

2026 (current) $837,434 $2.50*

2027 (proposed) $837,434 $2.50*

2028 (proposed) $880,731 $2.50*

*estimated rate

What do school levy dollars fund in Waitsburg?

• Athletics, music, and extracurriculars

• Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs

• nPreschool program

• Food services

• Counseling and student support

• Maintenance and operations

• Technology

…and more

Voting Info:

• Voters should have received their ballots in the mail by Jan. 23

• Register to vote, check your registration status, or find more information online at VoteWA.gov.

• Ballots must be postmarked or returned by Feb. 10

• There is a ballot drop box outside the Waitsburg City Hall

Tax exemptions and deferrals are available to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.

For more information, contact the Walla Walla County Assessor’s Office at 509-524-2560 or the Columbia County Assessor at 509-382-2131