2024 February Voters' Pamphlet

Benton County Official Local Voters’ Pamphlet

February 13, 2024 Special Election

Registration Deadlines:

Ballot Drop Box Locations:

These deadlines apply to new registrations & voter updates!

Courthouse 620 Market St., Prosser

Mail: February 5

Benton County Voting Center (Inside) 2600 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Richland

Online: February 5

Benton County Voting Center (Drive up - in Parking Lot - Streetside) 2618 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Richland

In-Person: February 13 Military & Overseas Ballots Mailed: January 10 Ballots Mailed: January 24

Additional Resources: Local Election Information www.bentonelections.com (livechat feature available) County Information www.co.benton.wa.us State Election Information www.sos.wa.gov Campaign Finance Information www.pdc.wa.gov

Are you mailing your ballot?

To account for delivery standards and to allow for contingencies, the USPS recommends voters mail their ballot at least 1 week by prior Election Day.Auditor If you are Published thetoBenton County unable to do so, we recommend that you use one of the conveniently located drop boxes.

Official Ballot Drop Boxes are open until 8:00 p.m. on February 13.

Register to Vote: To register to vote, you must be: • • •

A citizen of the United States.

A legal resident of Washington State.

Not serving a sentence of total confinement under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections.

Three ways to register: • • •

Online - www.VoteWA.gov By mail - Call us at (509) 736-3085 and we will mail you a form.

In Person -

Benton County Courthouse, 620 Market St., Prosser Benton County Voting Center, 2618 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Richland

Published by the Benton County Auditor

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Table of Contents

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Letter to Voters......................................................................................................... Pg. 2 Sample Ballot...................................................................................................... Pgs. 3-4 Paterson School District No. 50 Proposition No. 1................................................. Pg. 5 Prosser Consolidated School District No. 116-219 Proposition No. 1................... Pg. 6 Prosser Consolidated School District No. 116-219 Proposition No. 2.................. Pg. 7 Letter to Voters Dear Benton County Voters, We are pleased to present the 2024 Benton County Local Voters’ Pamphlet for the February 13, 2024 Special Election!

This spring you are going to have an opportunity to shape the future of our community by participating in the election process. You will be voting on measures that affect you, your family, and your neighborhood. When you vote, you have a direct say in our government at the local, state, and federal level.

This pamphlet is designed as a reference tool to help you make informed decisions. Inside you’ll find useful information about voter registration, deadlines for returning your ballot, and ballot drop box locations. This pamphlet includes ballot measures and pro and con committee statements for ballot measures. Please note that we do not make edits or corrections to any statements.

To be eligible to vote in a special election in a jurisdiction, you must be a registered voter and live in the participating district.

Your Signature Matters! Two of the most common reasons ballots are unable to be processed are that they are returned without a signature or with at signature that does not match what we have on file.

Please follow the tips found on your ballot insert regarding signing your ballot before it is returned.

We want to help every eligible person register to vote and every registered voter receive their ballot. The earlier the Elections Division is contacted by individuals who need a replacement ballot, want to register to vote and receive a ballot, or have related issues, the more options there will be available to provide assistance. You can call us at (509) 736-3085, send an email to elections@co.benton.wa.us, visit our website – www.bentonelections.com, or come in to one of our offices at: Benton County Voting Center, 2618 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Richland, WA Auditor’s Office, Benton County Courthouse, 620 Market St., Prosser, WA Both offices are open weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and on Election Day 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Benton County Elections Division is dedicated to assisting all voters, candidates, and jurisdictions in the election process while ensuring elections are conducted securely, accurately, and transparently in compliance with the laws of the State of Washington. I hope you find this Voters’ Pamphlet useful, and of course, do not hesitate to contact my staff or me with any questions.

Brenda Chilton Benton County Auditor

Sample Ballot

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Official Ballot Special Election Benton County, Washington February 14, 2023

bSampleb

Instructions

School District Measure

How to vote

PROPOSITION NO. 1 KENNEWICK SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 17 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS LEVY

Use a dark blue or black ink pen to completely ll in the oval next to your choice.

Vote for one in each measure.b If you vote for more than one, no votes will be counted for that measure.

How to correct a mistake

The Board of Directors of Kennewick School District No. 17 adopted Resolution No. 1, 2022-2023, concerning a proposition to nance educational programs and operations expenses. This proposition would authorize the District to meet the educational needs of its students by levying the following excess taxes, on all taxable property within the District, for educational programs and operations expenses not funded by the State of Washington: Collection Year 2024 2025 2026

Estimated Levy Rate/$1,000 Assessed Value $1.73 $1.68 $1.63

Levy Amount $23,000,000 $23,850,000 $24,700,000

all as provided in Resolution No. 1, 2022-2023. Should this proposition be approved?

Levy Yes Levy No

To make a correction, draw a line through the entire choice.

You then have the option of making a different choice by completely lling in another oval.

How to return your ballot: Insert ballot into security sleeve.

Insert security sleeve into the ballot return envelope.

Sign and date the voter declaration using the instructions on thebreturn envelope.

NOTE:bWAC 434-230-015 prohibits the use of a Power ofbAttorney to satisfy the signature requirements on the returnbenvelope.b If unable to sign, voter should follow thebinstructions on the return envelope for having two witnesses.

For a list of the people and organizations that donated to state and local candidates and ballot measure campaigns, visit www.pdc.wa.gov.

PROPOSITION NO. 1 PATERSON SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 50 REPLACEMENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND OPERATION LEVY The Board of Directors of Paterson School District No. 50 adopted Resolution No. 03-2022, concerning a proposition to nance educational programs and operation expenses. This proposition would authorize the District to levy the following excess taxes, in place of an expiring levy, on all taxable property within the District, for support of the District’s educational programs and operation expenses not funded by the State of Washington: Collection Year 2024 2025 2026

Estimated Levy Rate/$1,000 Assessed Value $0.68 $0.68 $0.68

Levy Amount $360,403 $369,413 $378,648

all as provided in Resolution No. 03-2022. Should this proposition be approved?

Levy Yes Levy No

Sample Ballot

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PROPOSITION NO. 2 PROSSER CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 116-219 CAPITAL LEVY FOR SAFETY, SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS b The Board of Directors of Prosser Consolidated School District No. 116-219 adopted Resolution No. 26-23, concerning a proposition to nance safety, security and infrastructure improvements. This proposition would authorize the District to levy the following excess taxes, on all taxable property within the District, to nance secure entrances, security cameras, entry/access controls, door locks, ADA accessibility, tennis/pickleball courts, concessions, restrooms and parking facilities, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other infrastructure improvements:b b b Estimated Levy b b Rate/$1,000 b Collection Year Assessed Value Levy Amount 2025 $0.35 $751,063 2026 $0.35 $773,595 2027 $0.35 $796,803 2028 $0.35 $820,707 b all as provided in Resolution No. 26-23. Should this proposition be approved?

Levy Yes Levy No

(CS 9) - EC:835593

Paterson School District No. 50 | Proposition No. 1 Local Ballot Measure

Paterson School District No. 50 Proposition No. 1 BONDS TO SHARE CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE NEW PROSSER HIGH SCHOOL The Board of Directors of Paterson School District No. 50 adopted Resolution No. 1-2023-2024, concerning a proposition to finance high school construction and related improvements. This proposition would authorize the District to: pay its agreed upon share of construction costs for the new Prosser High School, which serves District students (including capital expenditures to modernize and improve related athletic facilities); issue no more than $525,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within 7 years; and levy annual excess property taxes to repay the bonds, all as provided in Resolution No. 1-2023-2024. Should this proposition be: APPROVED REJECTED

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Explanatory Statement PROPOSITION NO. 1 – BONDS TO SHARE CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE NEW PROSSER HIGH SCHOOL Prosser School District is a designated high school district of Paterson School District, and Prosser High School serves Paterson high school students. Prosser voters approved a proposition on February 14, 2017, authorizing Prosser to issue $69,300,000 of bonds to pay costs of, among other projects, constructing a new high school adjacent to Art Fiker Stadium to replace Prosser High School. Prosser issued the bonds and constructed the new Prosser High School.

Paterson and Prosser school boards have agreed upon the share of construction costs for the new Prosser High School that supports Paterson’s high school students.

Under this agreement, Paterson’s share of construction costs, including capital expenditures to modernize and improve related athletic facilities, is $525,000 and will be paid by August 1, 2024. Passage of Proposition No. 1 would authorize Paterson to issue $525,000 of bonds to pay its agreed upon share of the costs. Further information is available at https://www.patersonschool. org/.

These bonds will be repaid from annual excess property taxes not to exceed 7 years. Paterson anticipates the bond tax rate will result in an increase of $0.13 per $1,000 of assessed value or $52 per year ($4.33 per month) for a $400,000 home. Exemptions from taxes may be available. To determine if you qualify, call the The Official Ballot Title was written by the Paterson School District Benton County Assessor (509)786-2046.

No. 50 as required by law. The Benton County Auditor is not responsible for the content of arguments or statements.

Committee & Contact Information Pro Committee

Committee & Contact Information Con Committee

No Committee Information Submitted

No Committee Information Submitted

Pro Committee Statement

Con Committee Statement

No Statement Submitted

No Statement Submitted

See next page for Prosser Consollidated School District No. 116-219 | Proposition No. 1

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Prosser Consolidated School District No. 116-219 | Proposition No. 1

Local Ballot Measure

Prosser Consolidated School District No. 116219 Proposition No. 1 REPLACEMENT OF EXPIRING MAINTENANCE, OPERATION AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS LEVY The Board of Directors of Prosser Consolidated School District No. 116-219 adopted Resolution No. 25-23, concerning a proposition to finance educational programs and operation expenses. This proposition would authorize the District to levy the following excess taxes, replacing an expiring levy, on all taxable property within the District, for educational programs and operation expenses not funded by the State: Collection Year

Estimated Levy Rate/$1,000 Assessed Value

Levy Amount

2025

$2.00

$4,291,787

2026

$2.00

$4,420,541

2027

$2.00

$4,553,157

202

$2.00

$4,689,752

all as provided in Resolution No. 25-23 and subject to legal limits on levy rates and amounts at the time of levy. Should this proposition be approved?

LEVY YES LEVY NO The Official Ballot Title was written by the Prosser Consolidated School District No. 116-219 as required by law. The Benton County Auditor is not responsible for the content of arguments or statements.

Committee & Contact Information Con Committee No Committee Information or Statement Submitted Committee & Contact Information Pro Committee Prosser for Quality Education Barbie Weinmann Raul Arambul Committee Contact # 509-781-1400

Explanatory Statement PROPOSITION NO. 1 – REPLACEMENT OF EXPIRING MAINTENANCE, OPERATION AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS LEVY Passage of Proposition No. 1 would allow Prosser Consolidated School District to replace an existing maintenance, operation and educational programs levy that will expire at the end of calendar year 2024. The taxes collected by this replacement levy will be used to pay for expenses of educational programs and operation that are not fully funded by the State of Washington. These expenses include, but are not limited to: technology; athletics; smaller class sizes; school safety; instructional materials; special education; maintenance; student activities; teaching and support staff and other educational programs and operation expenses. Taxes collected by the proposed replacement levy will provide approximately 9.3% of the District’s General Fund budget. Further information is available on the District’s website at http://prosserschools.org/.

The proposed four-year replacement educational programs and operation levy would authorize collection of taxes to provide up to $4,291,787 in 2025, $4,420,541 in 2026, $4,553,157 in 2027 and $4,689,752 in 2028. The levy rate required to produce these amounts is estimated to be $2.00 per $1,000 of assessed value. The exact levy rates and amounts to be collected may be adjusted based upon the limitations imposed by State law at the time of the levy. Exemptions from taxes may be available to certain homeowners. To determine if you qualify, call the Benton County Assessor at 509-786-2046 or Klickitat County Assessor at 509-773-3715.

Pro Committee Statement Please vote to renew this vital Prosser School District Educational Programs and Operations levy. Its passage is absolutely necessary for the lifeline of quality education and student academic success. Prosser is a thriving community with a long history of quality education and excellent public schools. As parents, business owners, and supporting community members, we encourage you to vote for the levy.

This EP&O Levy will replace our current levy and provide funds for educational, enrichment and enhancement programs and operations that are not fully covered by the state or federal funds. Our objective is to retain talented teachers/support staff, continue offering enrichment programs, and provide enhancement services. Without these levy funds it is likely that students will experience unfinished learning, poor well-being, and teachers and support staff will be challenged to provide the learning opportunities students deserve.

Vote in favor of this levy. Your investment will ensure that our commitment to Educate, Graduate, and Empower all students to become responsible and contributing members of society will be fulfilled. “Student success” - There is no greater Rate of Return for our community.

This levy is not a new tax. It replaces the expiring EP&O Levy.

Please vote to affirm your on-going support for quality education and the future of our students, their family, and Prosser community.

See next page for Prosser Consollidated School District No. 116-219 | Proposition No. 2

Prosser Consolidated School District No. 116-219 | Proposition No. 2

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Local Ballot Measure

Explanatory Statement

Prosser Consolidated School District No. 116219

PROPOSITION NO. 1 – REPLACEMENT OF EXPIRING MAINTENANCE, OPERATION AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS LEVY

Proposition No. 2

Passage of Proposition No. 1 would allow Prosser Consolidated School District to replace an existing maintenance, operation and educational programs levy that will expire at the end of calendar year 2024. The taxes collected by this replacement levy will be used to pay for expenses of educational programs and operation that are not fully funded by the State of Washington. These expenses include, but are not limited to: technology; athletics; smaller class sizes; school safety; instructional materials; special education; maintenance; student activities; teaching and support staff and other educational programs and operation expenses. Taxes collected by the proposed replacement levy will provide approximately 9.3% of the District’s General Fund budget. Further information is available on the District’s website at http://prosserschools.org/.

CAPITAL LEVY FOR SAFETY, SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS The Board of Directors of Prosser Consolidated School District No. 116-219 adopted Resolution No. 26-23, concerning a proposition to finance safety, security and infrastructure improvements. This proposition would authorize the District to levy the following excess taxes, on all taxable property within the District, to finance secure entrances, security cameras, entry/access controls, door locks, ADA accessibility, tennis/pickleball courts, concessions, restrooms and parking facilities, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other infrastructure improvements:

Collection Year

Estimated Levy Rate/$1,000 Assessed Value

Levy Amount

2025

$0.35

$751,063

2026

$0.35

$773,595

2027

$0.35

$796,803

2028

$0.35

$820,707

all as provided in Resolution No. 26-23. Should this proposition be approved?

LEVY YES LEVY NO

The Official Ballot Title was written by the Prosser Consolidated School District No. 116-219 as required by law. The Benton County Auditor is not responsible for the content of arguments or statements

Committee & Contact Information Pro Committee Adrian Gonzalez Committee Contact # 509-205-5318 Committee & Contact Information Con Committee No Committee Information or Statement Submitted

The proposed four-year replacement educational programs and operation levy would authorize collection of taxes to provide up to $4,291,787 in 2025, $4,420,541 in 2026, $4,553,157 in 2027 and $4,689,752 in 2028. The levy rate required to produce these amounts is estimated to be $2.00 per $1,000 of assessed value. The exact levy rates and amounts to be collected may be adjusted based upon the limitations imposed by State law at the time of the levy. Exemptions from taxes may be available to certain homeowners. To determine if you qualify, call the Benton County Assessor at 509-786-2046 or Klickitat County Assessor at 509-773-3715.

Pro Committee Statement The Prosser School District is seeking to pass a capital levy to fund future projects in the school district. Proposition No.2 would fund needed security systems, ADA compliant facilities, upgrades to HVAC systems, new tennis courts and upgrades to athletic facilities.

Proposition No.2 focuses on implementing cutting-edge safety measures, including security upgrades at Housel Middle School similar to our other schools. These enhancements are essential in safeguarding our students, staff, and providing peace of mind to parents and the community.

Additionally, the proposition supports safety upgrades to facilities, prioritizing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility throughout the district. Construction of a new walkway at Art Fiker stadium is needed and this levy would help fund that project.

Upgrading building infrastructure, HVAC and safety systems ensures a comfortable and conducive learning environment, positively impacting student performance and well-being. The outdated tennis courts would be replaced with new ones at a location to be determined. This will allow our tennis teams to compete like other teams in our league. Upgrades to our athletic facilities would include restrooms and concessions enhancing the overall experience for students, families, and visitors.

Passage of Proposition No.2 is an important investment because we have an enormous volume of needs and without the funding those needs grow and or worsen as time goes on.

Let’s unite in support of this crucial measure for the Prosser School District’s future. Vote “Yes” on Proposition No.2 for a safer, more accessible, and improved learning environment.

BENTON COUNTY AUDITOR ELECTIONS DIVISION PO BOX 1000 Richland, WA 99352