Benton County Official Local Voters’ Pamphlet
Registration Deadlines: These deadlines apply to new registrations & voter updates!
February 13, 2024 Special Election Ballot Drop Box Locations: Courthouse 620 Market St., Prosser
Mail: February 5 Online: February 5
Benton County Voting Center (Inside) 2618 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Richland
In-Person: February 13
Benton County Voting Center (Drive up in Parking Lot - Streetside) 2600 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Richland
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 prior to Election Day. If you are unable to do so, we recommend that you use one of the conveniently located drop boxes.
Published by the Benton County Auditor
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
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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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Sample
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Sample Ballot
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
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/.
The Official Ballot Title was written by the Paterson School District No. 50 as required by law. The Benton County Auditor is not responsible for the content of arguments or statements.
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 Benton County Assessor (509)786-2046.
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
REJECTED
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Prosser Consolidated School District No. 116-219 | Proposition No. 1
Local Ballot Measure
Explanatory Statement
Prosser Consolidated School District No. 116-219
PROPOSITION NO. 1 – REPLACEMENT OF EXPIRING MAINTENANCE, OPERATION AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS LEVY
Proposition No. 1
Passage of Proposition No. 1 would allow Prosser Consolidated School District to replace an existing operation and educational programs REPLACEMENT OF EXPIRING MAINTENANCE, maintenance, levy that will expire at the end of calendar year 2024. OPERATION AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS The taxes collected by this replacement levy will be LEVY 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 The Board of Directors of Prosser Consolidated School to: technology; athletics; smaller class sizes; school safety; District No. 116-219 adopted Resolution No. 25-23, instructional materials; special education; maintenance; concerning a proposition to finance educational programs student activities; teaching and support staff and other and operation expenses. This proposition would authorize educational programs and operation expenses. Taxes the District to levy the following excess taxes, replacing an collected by the proposed replacement levy will provide expiring levy, on all taxable property within the District, for approximately 9.3% of the District’s General Fund budget. educational programs and operation expenses not funded by Further information is available on the District’s website at http://prosserschools.org/. 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
2028
$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 Pro Committee Prosser for Quality Education Barbie Weinmann Raul Arambul Committee Contact # 509-781-1400 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 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.
Prosser Consolidated School District No. 116-219 | Proposition No. 2 Local Ballot Measure
Explanatory Statement
Prosser Consolidated School District No. 116-219
PROPOSITION NO. 2 – CAPITAL LEVY FOR SAFETY, SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
Passage of Proposition No. 2 would allow Prosser Consolidated School District to levy taxes over a four Proposition No. 2 year period to finance District-wide safety, security and infrastructure improvements, including, but not limited to: (1) acquiring, installing, implementing and/or CAPITAL LEVY FOR SAFETY, SECURITY AND modernizing secure entrances, security cameras, entry/ INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS access controls, door locks and other safety and security systems; (2) installing, upgrading and/or improving The Board of Directors of Prosser Consolidated School District facilities for Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) accessibility; (3) installing new tennis/pickleball courts; No. 116-219 adopted Resolution No. 26-23, concerning (4) installing, improving and/or modernizing concessions, a proposition to finance safety, security and infrastructure restrooms and parking facilities; (5) upgrading and/ improvements. This proposition would authorize the District or improving heating, ventilation and air conditioning to levy the following excess taxes, on all taxable property equipment and systems (“HVAC”), electrical and plumbing within the District, to finance secure entrances, security systems and equipment; and (6) making other safety, cameras, entry/access controls, door locks, ADA accessibility, security and infrastructure improvements to District tennis/pickleball courts, concessions, restrooms and parking facilities (including repairing or replacing roofs at Housel facilities, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other infrastructure Middle School). Further information is available on the improvements: District’s website at http://prosserschools.org/.
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 proposed four-year capital levy would authorize collection of taxes to provide $751,063 in 2025, $773,595 in 2026, $796,803 in 2027 and $820,707 in 2028. The levy rate required to produce these amounts is estimated to be $0.35 per $1,000 of assessed value. 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.
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
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.
Committee & Contact Information Pro Committee Adrian Gonzalez
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.
Committee Contact # 509-205-5318 Committee & Contact Information Con Committee No Committee Information or Statement Submitted
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BENTON COUNTY AUDITOR ELECTIONS DIVISION PO BOX 1000 Richland, WA 99352