WV directors propose three-year levies

West Valley school directors drew up a pair of three-year property tax levies Wednesday for presentation to voters on Feb. 3.

The levies, one for maintenance and operation and one for technology, would replace similar levies that expire at the end of next year.

The operating levy would collect $7.3 million in 2010 at an estimated cost of $3.89 per $1,000 of assessed value, $7.5 million in 2011 at an estimated $3.84 per thousand, and $7.7 million in 2011 at an estimated $3.79 per thousand.

Directors had considered a four-year levy, but settled on three years.

The proposed 2010 collection represents a 2.8 percent increase from the $7.1 million collection voters approved for next year.

The three-year technology levy –for computers, software and the like – would collect $500,000 a year at an estimated 27 cents per $1,000 in 2010, 26 cents in 2011 and 25 cents in 2012.

Spokeswoman Sue Shields said district officials hope the proposed operating levy will be reduced by state “equalization” payments as the current levy has been.

For example, school directors voted this week to trim next year’s planned $7.1 million collection to $6,217,134, to reflect a state award of $882,866 in equalization money.

The technology levy is not eligible for equalization payments.