Roettger shares levy data with Ritzville chamber

Superintendent of Lind and Ritzville schools, Rob Roettger, presented the proposed M&O levy for the Ritzville school district at the Ritzville Chamber of Commerce meeting on Jan. 19. The ballots for the special election regarding the M&O levy for both the Lind and Ritzville school districts are sent out on Jan. 27, for the Feb. 14 election.

The levy on the ballot is for collection during the 2013 and 2014 calendar year. The levy helps to fund utilities at the school, motor pool for Drivers Education, legal/audit fees, transportation and food services, along with other services.

“The levy basically helps fund everything not included in general education,” said Roettger. “Ritzville school district is looking at an increase of about $26 a year, it’s fairly minimal.”

The Ritzville school district’s last proposed levy of $3.12 passed, but taxpayers actually pay $2.98 based on the rate per 1,000. The upcoming levy for Ritzville school district is a proposed $3.16 with a total amount being $933,000.

With the rate of $3.16, individuals with a property value of 100,000 are expected to pay $316. Those individuals who have a property value of 125,000 are looking at an expected $395. People with a property value of 150,000 should expect to pay about $474, if the levy passes.

Compared to neighboring districts, Ritzville falls into the middle of the group. Lind school district is at the bottom since the district currently does not have any voted debt. The districts are compared by the M&O levy and capital/bonds in the district.

At the top of the list is the Davenport school district, since they have a levy of $4.18 and $2.98 in capital/bonds, totaling $7.13 that taxpayers can expect to pay. Othello is listed just above Ritzville, with $2.36 as the levy but with $2.15 in capital/bonds, totaling $4.52.

Currently, the main and only funding source for the Ritzville school district is the Levy Equalization (LEA) funding. Past cuts of funding sources including the loss of I-728, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) special education, ARRA Title One and various other ARRA programs.

In the 2007-2008 school year, Ritzville had five more teachers but cuts meant less teachers and administration staff also was cut in half. Cuts in funding in revenue loss means that taxpayers unfortunately take a lot of the burden.

With the academic cooperative in place for the Lind and Ritzville schools, utilities pay for both schools but the levy money raised in each district is used for the facility in that district.

“Some people might think, ‘If we vote no, the co-op will go away.’ But that’s not how it works. The M&O levy is 23 percent of the budget. If the M&O fails in one district and passes in the other, it still hurts students from both schools,” Roettger explained.

If the levy does not pass, administration staff plans to begin looking to see where cuts can be made. It would consist of putting everything on the table and seeing what the district could live without, which could be reduction in staff, combining classes or potentially beginning a pay-to-play plan for athletics.

Roettger also discussed the proposed staffing schedule and classes with the Chamber members and public, showing the new opportunities for students and plans for the cooperative.

“There are needs in both districts, whether we like it or not. The Ritzville curriculum needed to be updated and now it can be. Initially, there will be costs in both districts, but in the long run, it will be worth it,” said Roettger.

The ballots for the special election are sent to voters on Jan. 27, and the ballots must be returned by Feb. 14. Ballots can be put in the drop box at Ritzville City Hall or in the auditor’s office at the Adams County Courthouse.