BONDS AND LEVIES

OVERVIEW OF BONDS AND CAPITAL PROJECTS LEVIES

Bonds are the primary method used by Washington school districts to finance the "local share" of major capital projects because:

  • Cash is generated upfront.

  • Payments can be spread over time.

  • Districts have some control over taxpayer impacts.

bonds levies

Voter-Approved Unlimited Tax General Obligation (UTGO) Bonds

  • New revenue created

  • Repaid with property taxes

  • Approved with a 60% yes vote, 40% validation

  • 5% debt capacity

  • 40-year maximum term (match useful life of asset)

  • May only be submitted to voters twice in a calendar year

Non-Voted Limited General Obligation (LGO) Bonds

  • Repaid with existing revenue

  • Can't be used for "new" construction

  • 3/8 of 1% debt capacity

  • A public hearing is required if more than $250,000.

Capital Projects Levies

  • One to six-year collection cycle

  • Pay costs to construct, modernize, or remodel school facilities (including technology improvements)

  • Additional capital projects levy may be authorized for the same period (e.g., technology and new roof)

  • No interest cost

  • Possible life cycle mismatch

  • Simple majority (50% + 1)

  • If a capital projects levy fails, it may be resubmitted to voters only once in the same 12-month period.

PROPOSED LEVIES- CURRENT

On April 22, 2025, voters in the Enumclaw School District will have the opportunity to vote on a $12 million capital levy to support critical improvements to school facilities.

This levy will provide $3 million per year over four years (2026–2029) to fund urgent facility repairs, student health and safety improvements, and critical infrastructure needs such as roof replacements, HVAC systems, fire panels, and electronic access controls.

Learn more: https://www.enumclaw.wednet.edu/page/critical-maintenance-levy-2025

NON-APPROVED BONDS - RECENT

  • November 7, 2023 | Replacement Byron Kibler/JJ Smith combined facility, Safety and Security upgrades district-wide, and Priority maintenance of existing facilities - Non-approved with 35.46% approval

  • February 14, 2023 | Replacement Byron Kibler Elementary with Birth to Five Center, New Ten Trails Elementary, Performing Arts Center, Athletic Complex, and Safety, Security, Educational Building, and District Asset Upgrades - Non-approved with 24.73% approval

NON-APPROVED LEVIES - RECENT

No EP&O levies were non-approved from February 7, 2006, to the last levy on February 8, 2022.

Capital Levies
None, see Historical levy Data below.

EP&O Levies
None, see Historical levy Data below.

Transportation Vehicle Levies
None, see Historical levy Data below.

VOTER APPROVED BONDS - RECENT

Previous bonds that we have digital resources for are listed and linked below.

VOTER APPROVED LEVIES - RECENT

  • February, 2020: Approved with 56.21% approval

Previous levies that we have digital resources for are listed and linked below.

HISTORICAL BONDS AND LEVIES