I am writing to you to encourage support for the upcoming maintenance and operations levy for the Mossyrock School District.
The maintenance and condition of our schools, the quality of staff, the programs offered and extracurricular activities are of utmost importance. Currently, the district is seeking a replacement levy. This is not a new levy, but a "to be continued" levy. The taxpayers in the past have agreed to an ongoing levy to keep our schools, their programs, staff and facilities in the forefront of our great community. This replacement levy will be collecting taxes for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 tax years.
The condition of our schools adds value to your homes as well. Currently, the tax assessed values of properties for 2025 are from the sales in 2023, in the time of lower interest rates and raised sales prices. During the pandemic years, property values increased by 15 to 20% per year. This is no longer the case. Prices have increased at much slower rates, as well as the number of sales in our area.
The existing levy was approved for only two years. It was approved for $1.04 per $1,000 of assessed values. The current levy rate is 97 cents because of increases in overall property values. Your liability doesn't go up because your value does. The overall amount of levy collected remains the same, shared by all taxpayers. This includes those taxpayers with vacation homes or timber properties who do not live in the district and don't have the right to vote. They, too, share in the participation costs. Previous levies have been approved in our district at $2.08.
Also, for those taxpayers who are eligible for reduced taxes or exemptions, such as senior citizens or those with disabilities, you will see no changes to your taxes. Your exemptions stay in place, at no cost to you and your community thanks you for your support.
I am a realtor and have worked in Lewis County in the real estate and mortgage industries since 1997. The Mossyrock School District is a major drawing point for people moving into or considering moving into our area. The pride alone that has been taken in maintaining the grounds and structures has sold homes in the district. The quality of the programs, the faculty and the educational values of our schools have not gone unnoticed. Moving families to our community, welcoming them with a clean, great school with educational distinctions and continued student success, is to add value to all our homes and properties. Passing this levy and proudly keeping our community schools at their best is, in the end, helping all of us.
I am supporting this levy. As levy chairperson, I encourage all of you to support your schools and vote "yes" by April 21. I can be reached at lorirashoff@lewiscounty.com with any questions regarding the current levy or voting process.
