Cost Of Community - Recently Updated Pages

Welcome

unionbulletin — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 09:41:58 CDT

This community wiki (what is a wiki?) is a place to discuss the future of the Walla Walla Valley. What needs do you think need to be met for a sustainable, prosperous community?

View bonds that have been approved and rejected over the last 20 years. Find out what possible bond measures are on the horizon. Find out what local agencies believe are the priorities. And more importantly, find out what your fellow community members say are the Valley's most pressing needs.

Join the conversation. Join the wiki. Leave comments and join a discussion. Be heard today.

If you would like to edit entries in this wiki please contact Alasdair Stewart at alasdairstewart@wwub.com or 525-3300, ext. 287.

Introduction to the series by Terry McConn.

Read the Union-Bulletin articles:

Make sure to leave comments, start a discussion.

Thursday - Sept. 6, 2007

Friday - Sept. 7, 2007

Sunday - Sept. 9, 2007

What the community says

unionbulletin — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 17:39:17 CDT

What do you think is the most pressing need in the Walla Walla Valley?

Start a discussion. Join an existing discussion below. Add a comment. Be heard today.

We will be posting video clips and quotes here from your responses to our survey. Please stay tuned.

Union-Bulletin series articles

unionbulletin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 14:17:57 CDT

Make sure to leave comments, start a discussion.

Sunday - Sept. 9, 2007

unionbulletin — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 11:24:34 CDT

Future of area high schools a mystery

unionbulletin — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 11:22:49 CDT

The community has not agreed on the extent - or the existence - of problems much less how to fix them.

By Maria P. Gonzalez of the Union-Bulletin

Walla Walla High School may one day get new heating and cooling systems, and updated or additional buildings to help relieve overcrowding and address safety concerns.

Or maybe the area will support building another high school instead, and leaving Wa-Hi, for the most part, as is.

Or perhaps the crowding issue will be solved with College Place Public Schools supporting construction of its own high school, which would greatly reduce Wa-Hi's nearly 2,000-student population.

Whether those ideas become reality, precisely what will happen remains a mystery.

Initially, the district had put a pricetag of about $32.8 million to rebuild Wa-Hi. It also planned on drawing about $4 million to rebuild Lincoln Alternative High School, or the old Paine School, as part of a May 2006 proposal.

Although concerns with facilities and space at Wa-Hi appeared clear-cut as the district launched its comprehensive bond initiative last year, the needs as viewed by the community proved to be more complex.

That measure failed in the ballots, with people calling for simpler bond requests that handled one issue at a time.

With the passage of the Edison school bond earlier this year, the district is gearing up to tackle its next big project, determining how best to serve all the area's public high school students.

The district's challenge will be to find a smart, cost-effective measure with popular support that will cure overcrowding, aged structures and safety issues.

With those concerns in mind, the Walla Walla School District recently established a task force that will study the high school experience in the city until the group reaches common ground on what the students need and what the community will support.

The group hopes to address all the high school components, which include folding in the alternative high school. It may be a year or longer before the task force reaches a definitive conclusion that may then become a bond measure.

Yet many of the the needs at the high school are obvious, according to facility studies. The school has exceeded capacity. Students often complain about the open campus and cringe on days when the weather dips below freezing and they must walk though the grounds to their next classes. Heating and cooling are inadequate, and the school needs more work to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Similar maintenance issues plague the former Paine School, which is not overcrowded but housed in an aging structure.

Superintendent Rich Carter stressed that the district does not have plans, nor a timeline, for a bond measure.

The dollar amounts offered in this series are taken from a comprehensive study conducted about two years ago in preparation for the May 2006 bond initiative.

Those amounts reflect improvements at the high school as simply one way to solve its issues.

College Place plans list many projects, no bonds

unionbulletin — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 11:21:50 CDT

By Andy Porter of the Union-Bulletin

COLLEGE PLACE - The six projects listed as future needs for the city are by no means the only items on its ``to do'' list.

The city has a lengthy list of needs laid out in its current capital facilities plan ranging from water line upgrades to acquiring new playground equipment.

In broad terms, the capital projects are divided into water systems, streets, wastewater plant and collection systems, stormwater drainage and parks.

Several projects in the current plan, last updated in May 2006, are already under way. These include a $5 million improvement project for the city's eastside water system and the extension of Whitman Drive from Larch Street to Myra Road, a $1.2 million project.

City Administrator Pat Reay said that at present there are no plans to fund projects through property tax levies.

Instead, projects are to be funded through combinations of state or federal grants and either revenue or general obligation bonds that would be subject to approval by the Council.

On a broader note, Councilman Steve Dickerson offered a ``wish list'' that included

a north-south arterial in College Place as an alternative to College Avenue, a southside bypass for Walla Walla to allow traffic to move from State Route 125 to the Eastgate area and more bicycle and inline skating paths ``along both streets and in parks.''

Other projects would be a water park, public library access to all Valley residents, a Valleywide water system and ``a real home for the Community Center for Youth.''

Milton-Freewater School District

unionbulletin — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 11:20:24 CDT

http://www.miltfree.k12.or.us/

REPLACE CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL
Where is it?
The district purchased land on 11th Avenue at an old canning plant for a new middle school.
How much does it cost?
Estimated cost in late 2006 was $16.75 million.
Why is it being proposed?
Central Middle School is nearing 100 years and has more students than it can support comfortably. Maintenance costs are pricey.

REPLACE OR REMODEL GROVE ELEMENTARY
Where is it?
At its current site, or elsewhere.
How much does it cost?
Undetermined.
Why is it being proposed?
The school is overcrowded and aging.

REPLACE OR REMODEL FREEWATER ELEMENTARY
Where is it?
At its current site or a new location.
How much does it cost?
A November 2000 proposal would have rebuilt Freewater for $8 million.
Why is it being proposed?
Freewater Elementary is nearing 100 years old. It has problems with air circulation and safety concerns with its top story. Students are currently housed in modular classrooms outside the main building.

COLLEGE PLACE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

unionbulletin — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 11:19:21 CDT

http://www.cpps.org/

Where is it?
Initial plans called for developing the school on the current site of Sager Middle and Meadow Brook Intermediate schools, along South College Avenue and State Route 125.
A possible alternative plan would place the kindergarten through eighth grade school on land across the street from the South College Avenue location.
How much does it cost?
An initial estimate for the proposal was about $25 million.
Why is it being proposed?
Davis Elementary school is in need of updating or replacing. Sager Middle School is aging.

City of College Place

unionbulletin — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 11:18:16 CDT

http://ci.college-place.wa.us/

College Place Public Schools

What is the project?
City of College Place Meadow Brook water line upgrade.
Where is it?
Project would create a water main loop around John Sager and Meadow Brook Intermediate schools by installation of about 1,400 feet of 12-inch diameter water line.
How much does it cost?
About $150,000 (2005 estimate).
Why is it being proposed?
Fire safety and to provide adequate water flow to the area for future development.

What is the project?
Modify effluent flow system at the city of College Place wastewater treatment plant to
allow sewage to be redirected from sequential batch reactors to lagoon number two.
Where is it?
City wastewater treatment plant off of Mojonnier Road.
How much does it cost?
About $500,000 (2005 estimate).
Why is it being proposed?
This will help provide redundancy in the system and allow for addition control routes to handle wastewater flow.

What is the project?
South College Avenue rebuild in the city of College Place.
Where is it?
The project would extend between the intersections of 10th Street and 12th Street.
How much does it cost?
About $500,000 (2005 estimate).
Why is it being proposed?
Rebuild needed due to deteriorating condition of road. Project would also improve traffic flow and improve placement of utilities along route.

What is the project?
Replacement of 2,000 feet of storm drain pipe on Spitzenberg Street in the city of College Place.
Where is it?
Between the intersections of Spitzenberg Street with Myra Road and Lambert Street.
How much does it cost?
About $200,000 (2005 estimate).
Why is it being proposed?
Needed to replace failing concrete pipe with new PVC pipe.

What is the project?
Repavement of parking lot and construction of new restrooms at Kiwanis Park in College Place.
Where is it?
Kiwanis Park off of Whitman Drive.
How much does it cost?
About $12,000 for repavement of parking lot and about $50,000 to construct new restrooms.
Why is it being proposed?
Parking lot has deteriorated to gravel and a sparse coating of chip seal.

What is the project?
Construction of city of College Place records storage building and vehicle storage
building.
Where is it?
Undetermined at this time.
How much does it cost?
About $35,000 for records storage building and about $50,000 for vehicle storage building.
Why is it being proposed?
Records storage building is needed to house documents city is legally required to keep. Vehicle building would provide heated (non-freezing) garage for designated city vehicles as well as protection from elements that would degrade vehicle.

City of Milton-Freewater

unionbulletin — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 11:17:04 CDT

http://www.milton-freewater-or.gov/

Milton-Freewater School District

What is the project?
Milton-Freewater City Hall renovation.
Where is it?
At current City Hall site.
How much does it cost?
$3.5 million, through a bond issue because grant funding probably would not cover the entire cost of renovation.
When will it be built/bought?
Unscheduled, but not until after the school district passes a bond. "Instead of pursuing a bond at the same time the school district is trying to get the funding for schools, we decided to wait on our bond vote because we all feel the school bond has a higher priority,'' City Manager Delphine Palmer wrote in an e-mail.
Why is it being proposed?
The city lies close to two earthquake faults, Palmer wrote. According to a seismologist and structural engineer the city consulted, even a moderate earthquake would totally collapse City Hall. The building was built of soft bricks, one entire wall is held up with cables and the roof merely sits on top of the structure.

Voters continue to nix school bonds

unionbulletin — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 11:07:48 CDT

School bonds have failed recently in Walla Walla, College Place and Milton-Freewater.

By Maria P. Gonzalez of the Union-Bulletin

For the last few years, several local school districts have invested time and money to detail their individual facilities' needs.

Many schools are facing growing student populations while housing students in aging buildings that cost more each year to maintain.

The Walla Walla, College Place and Milton-Freewater school districts each have tried for several bonds in the last few years. With the passing years, school bonds have become tougher to pass. Comprehensive bonds that would have addressed several needs at once have been particularly ill-fated.

In Walla Walla, for example, a May 2006 bond for nearly $54 million to rebuild three schools failed by a large margin. The bond was part of a greater plan to meet the school district's facilities needs for the next 25 years.

In College Place in February 2004, a $17.75 million bond proposal to build a new high school and update existing schools also failed.

Milton-Freewater has had the toughest time replacing its schools, failing in May 2000 to pass a comprehensive bond to rebuild three of its five schools for about $21 million. The district also failed to pass subsequent bond proposals that would have rebuilt the schools one at a time.

In many cases, the rejected bonds forced districts to reconsider their proposals and reconnect with city residents to come up with a winning plan.

After months of study, Walla Walla schools floated and passed a bond in February 2007 to rebuild Edison Elementary for $19.5 million. Construction begins in 2008.

But if the past has shown school districts anything, it's to not scare off the voting public with complicated plans while asking for large sums of money.

When asked to respond with projected facilites needs for the next 20 years, the Walla Walla School District stated it had no plans to present any bonds. The statement by Superintendent Rich Carter reads: ``At this time Walla Walla Public Schools has no plans for facilities improvement bond issues. There are no timelines established for when future facilities issues will be brought before the community.''

College Place and Milton-Freewater districts also failed to provide responses as to projected facilities needs for the next 20 years despite repeated requests.

Information offered in this series was compiled from past studies, bond attempts and reports previously made public by each district.

Please vote

unionbulletin — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 11:03:18 CDT

Here's your chance to express your opinion about what we need in the Walla Walla Valley.

Our elected leaders often look toward the future from where they sit - on councils, boards and commissions. They mind the business of their districts, but often aren't fully aware of other agencies' long-term desires or plans.

Or what you want or can afford.

The Union-Bulletin has compiled a comprehensive list of projects (Page A4) that may be proposed over the next 20 years. Now government officials and you, the taxpayer, can all be on the same page.

And if you fill out the U-B's questionnaire, they'll receive the orders from headquarters.

Please take time to participate. It's easy, designed to take only a few minutes to complete, and the more responses received, the more accurate the survey will be.

There are several ways to access the form, including on the U-B's Web site, in the newspaper and at our office at First Avenue and Poplar Street.

The form will be in the paper several times so everyone in your household can vote. You also may make copies to let all your household members vote.

The survey will close Oct. 1.

Please participate, but only once to ensure accurate results.

After we receive your answers, we'll compile the information and publish the results.

They may have a lasting effect as we head into the next two decades of life in the Walla Walla Valley.

Complete the online survey here or download it here and return it to the UB by Oct. 1 at 5 p.m.

Thursday - Sept. 6, 2007

unionbulletin — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:17:05 CDT

Friday - Sept. 7, 2007

unionbulletin — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:16:32 CDT

There's more than one way to get it done

unionbulletin — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:15:25 CDT

If groups or government officials can't get money for a project, a little ingenuity can pay off.

By Vicki Hillhouse of the Union-Bulletin

Homework was the last thing Staci Wanichek expected as she prepared for her daughter's first day of kindergarten. Least of all, an assignment for herself.

But when the mother of two left Prospect Point Elementary that September day in 2006 she had a nagging concern about the age of the playground equipment, which dated before she attended the same school three decades prior.

Her concern turned into a campaign. With the help of a committee, Wanichek led a fund-raising effort to replace the equipment. Now her daughter and other young students at Prospect Point can spend this school year playing on it.

The needs of a community vary in size, cost and importance. So do the ways to pay for them.

Public officials may seek voter support for major projects through general obligation bonds. But what about smaller projects, like playground equipment? Or those that benefit a limited segment of the community, such as municipal golf course improvements?

Sometimes existing taxes can pay for such improvements. Other times, enough money may not be available, officials say. In those cases, alternative funding mechanisms must be explored.

In 2001, Walla Walla County commissioners found the answer for one project in the county's own savings account. Ten years of saving money allowed the county to construct a new Public Safety Building, 240 W. Alder St., at no additional expense to taxpayers.

The 15,000-square-foot building on the northeast corner of Fifth Avenue, was paid for with existing building funds saved for just such a need.

Pre-built and assembled on land the county already owned, the $2 million building paired together the sheriff's and prosecuting attorney's offices, the latter of which had previously operated out of rented space in the Drumheller Building.

Contrary to common perception, however, government officials say they don't collect enough tax money to pay for all the needs of the community as they arise.

Sometimes it takes the help of a caring group of fund-raisers, a special taxing district or an innovative combination of financial sources to get a project funded.

A blend of those kinds of efforts are being used by local residents spearheading a number of projects, including a new dog park at Fort Walla Walla Park, a bowl/pool area at the Walla Walla Skate Park and playground equipment at Washington Park.

If the Prospect Point example shows anything, it's that a group of impassioned citizens can make a difference.

At the time Wanichek first broached the playground issue, the Walla Walla School District had focused its efforts and resources on a $19.5 million bond campaign to replace Edison Elementary School. It had no immediate plans to add new Prospect Point playground equipment to its list of needs.

Furthermore, while the bond proposal will probably bring into the district $3.4 million in state matching funds to be used for projects at other facilities, the need for a repaved busing area and expanded gym at Prospect Point were considered more pressing than playground equipment, Wanichek said.

Nevertheless, the old swings, slide, monkey bars and other equipment were a significant concern for Wanichek. When she began asking other parents about it, she found many of them were also bothered because they had used the same equipment in their own childhoods.

"That's really how it got its start,'' she said. "We all saw the need, and we formed a committee.''

Whether through a special tax or a donation, local residents often make the final decision in which projects see the light of day.

For local governments, funding sometimes is a matter of ingenuity.

"It's just called being creative,'' said Walla Walla Parks and Recreation Director Jim Dumont.

Creativity helped the Parks and Recreation Department devise a plan for a $1.1 million replacement irrigation system at Veterans Memorial Golf Course last year.

After the 1948 pipes had deteriorated, the city sought the help of an ad hoc advisory committee to come up with ideas on how to help pay for the new system.

With guidance from the golfer-comprised committee, the city implemented a $1 surcharge for every nine holes of play and $2 for every 18 holes. The charges help repay 20-year bonds that fronted the costs. Other funding sources include $5,000 annually from the municipal course's private operator, revenues from a cell tower lease on the property and income from the operator's lease on the course.

Although he doubts every golfer is thrilled with the surcharge, Dumont said it ensures the costs are passed to those who benefit most from the improvement.

As with that surcharge, not every solution is met with open arms from those footing the bill.

In the early 1990s, the formation of a local improvement district to fund more than $2 million in downtown upgrades proved an effective way to pay for street lights, trees, wider sidewalks and new curbs and gutters for the central business district. But it was also a major source of frustration for some property owners.

The special taxing district was divided into two assessed areas. Properties from Main Street between Palouse Street and Fourth Avenue, where the majority of improvements took place, were assessed $2.50 per square foot. Properties bounded roughly by Cherry and Birch streets and Seventh Avenue and Palouse Street were assessed 41 cents per square foot.

About 125 different property owners were assessed in the project, according to reports at the time. The city contributed an additional $200,000.

Many property owners were divided. Some believed the city should have contributed more than it did. Some worried the assessments would hurt them more than the improvements would help. Property owners had 20 years to pay the bill on what was just the start of needed improvements.

In a random survey of 35 property owners, following the initial improvements that had been made in 1992, 63 percent told the U-B they would not be willing to pay another assessment in a local improvement district.

At the same time, the majority also said they believed the improvements would attract additional business revenue.

Fifteen years later, Walla Walla's downtown has become a major attraction for tourists visiting the community. The improvements were also widely credited in 2001 when Walla Walla was one of five communities in the country to receive the Great American Main Street Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Though finding ways to pay for projects may be an arduous task, officials say it's much easier when everyone works together.

The Jefferson Park playground improvements are a recent example, Dumont said. As part of ongoing efforts to reclaim the neighborhood, area residents secured a $100,000 grant for new playground equipment from the Donald and Virginia Sherwood Trust. The grant was contingent on the city of Walla Walla providing another $26,000. Neighbors raised another $13,000 from grants and donations.

Dumont said the project demonstrates the willing participation of government when local citizens take initiative to improve their community.

"Anybody who goes by Jefferson Park sees the impact. It's jam-packed, partly due to the fact that it was the neighborhood that came forward and took ownership to improve the park,'' Dumont said.

"That's what we want in government. You're certainly going to get a significant amount of support from elected officials when you're stepping forward with a solution, rather than just coming in and asking for a handout.''

Consequently, private/public partnerships, public/public partnerships and public/nonprofit partnerships have joined the ranks of the latest and greatest buzzwords for municipalities.

While projects can take place without a vote of the public, they always need help from the community, Dumont said.

"The public certainly appreciates when we find alternative means - including fund-raising - without going back and saying we need to raise property taxes.''

LEGAL LIMITATIONS ON PROPERTY TAXES

There are four restrictions that affect how high property taxes can go.

1) The 1 percent constitutional limit:

The primary limitation was established by the 17th amendment to the Washington State Constitution in 1972. It limits the total regular property tax levy to a maximum of $10 per $1,000 of the market value of property. Excluded from this $10 limit are levies for ports and public utility districts.

2) Statutory maximum rates for districts:

State law establishes maximum levy rates for various types of taxing districts (the state, counties, cities and towns, fire districts, etc.). In addition, the law sets a maximum total rate of $5.90 per $1,000 of assessed value for counties, cities, fire districts, library districts and certain other junior taxing districts. The state levy for support of common schools is not subject to the $5.90 limit, although it is subject to the constitutional $10 limit.

3) The 101 percent limit:

In 1971, the Legislature established a limitation on the increase in regular property taxes for taxing districts. The current limitation each year for most districts is 101 percent of their highest lawful levy since 1985, plus an additional amount to allow for new construction within the district. The 101 percent limit applies to the total amount of property tax for a taxing district, not to individual properties. Districts may raise that limit with voter approval, but cannot exceed other legal restrictions.

4) Excess levies:

Most districts can submit proposals for additional property tax levies to a vote of the people. Local school districts have no regular levy authority (although they are allocated funds from the statewide school levy) so they receive a substantial portion of their funding from voter-approved excess levies. Excess levies must be authorized by a 60 percent majority of the voters and are not subject to any of the limitations described above. The county assessor uses a taxing district's budget request, the total assessed value of the taxing district and the limitations to set the levy rate. Rates are expressed in an amount per $1,000 dollars of assessed value.

WHEN LEVY LIMITS ARE EXCEEDED

The regular levy for each taxing district is reviewed by county authorities to make sure it complies with the 101 percent limit, the district's maximum allowable rate, and the $5.90 and 1 percent limits. If limits are exceeded by an individual district, then its levy is reduced to a lawful amount. Laws establish a district hierarchy for rate reductions if the total limits are exceeded and rates are reduced accordingly.

CALCULATING YOUR TAXES

You can estimate what your property taxes will be if you know the assessed value of your property and the tax levy rate. For example, if the assessed value of your property is $200,000 and the levy rate is $15 per $1,000 of value:

Value - $200 ($200,000 divided by $1,000)

Times the levy rate - times $15

Equals $3,000 in estimated tax.

Source: Walla Walla County Assessor's Office Web site

Growth act gives city tool to get cash, but it's not easy to use

unionbulletin — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:13:32 CDT

By Kathy Korengel of the Union-Bulletin

The city has a relatively new tool to raise money to meet capital needs. But using it is not that easy, City Manager Duane Cole said.

Under the state's Growth Management Act, the concept of concurrency requires cities to expand services as they grow. Adopted in 1990, the act encourages compact development and discourages urban sprawl.

For example, according to the concept of concurrency, if a housing development generates enough growth to require a new fire station, the city could assess the developer a one-time fee to share the cost to build a new station, Cole said.

Although a simple concept, implementing concurrency is not so simple. "The funding options available are limited in scope, politically difficult to implement, (and) subject to legal challenges by those affected,'' he said. State requirements to analyze and set up the fees "often require(s) a Byzantine process.''

For example, it took the city 18 months to two years to set up growth-related fees called capital finance charges. The Council adopted the one-time charges for city water and sewer hook up, which replaced what once were called connection fees, in March 2006.

But after the charges were implemented, many developers and homeowners questioned them.

Growth-related fees, also called impact fees, have other limitations, Cole said. The city sometimes grows in areas with existing homes, whose owners don't pay the fees. The city and county end up paying those homes' share of growth-related costs.

Despite the limitations, the Council has hired a consultant to study the possibility of assessing transportation impact fees to help fix city streets.

For example, if a housing development generates enough growth to require another traffic light, the city could assess the developer a one-time traffic impact fee for the development's share of the traffic light cost.

But traffic impact fees pose the same, if not more, problems as other impact fees, Cole said. State rules to set them up are more complicated than the rules to set up capital finance charges.

In addition, issues arise if the city adopts traffic impact fees but the county and College Place don't, he said. Traffic impact fees ultimately affect the price or profit of a house being sold. So, if the city steps out with them without county or College Place agreement, developers building outside city limits would have a "market advantage,'' Cole said.

The Council has not yet set a date to complete the traffic impact fee study. It probably won't "take another look at'' the fees until next year, Cole said.

More recently, the Legislature gave jurisdictions more tools to impose impact fees, but each will require Council action or voter approval.

"The result is that without these fees in place, slowly the general livability of the city will decrease,'' Cole concluded. "The first indicator I believe will be with traffic control and streets. The delay, for example, at the four-way stops on Howard Street and Prospect (Avenue) will become a little longer each year as more houses are built to the south.''

Community support key to city projects, city manager says

unionbulletin — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:12:14 CDT

By Kathy Korengel of the Union-Bulletin

What gets built in the city depends as much on the community as it does the City Council or city staff, City Manager Duane Cole said.

Staff can't just "sit down and say, `this is what (we're) building this year,''' he added. "It's much more dynamic than that.''

What floats first to the top of the barrel of needs depends on "when it becomes a Council and community priority. It takes a community-based effort to get these things done,'' Cole said.

To gauge community priorities, the Council listens "to needs and wants, written, from staff, what they hear on the street, what's written in the Comprehensive Plan and other plans.''

The Council also looks at what's going on with the city organization, Cole said.

Funding is another part of the puzzle. For instance, if "opportunity costs'' arise, such as the federal or state government offering to share the cost of a project, the project could move to the front of the line.

Once Council identifies a need, members start talking about funding it, Cole said. Options could include dipping into the general fund, which pays for basic services such as police, fire and the library. But as that fund already is stretched thin to provide services, tapping it for capital needs might mean cutting services.

The Council and staff research getting grants or donations. Another option is asking voters for a bond, which requires a 60 percent vote to pass. ``A 60 percent vote for anything is very difficult,'' Cole added.

Several other factors affect if, and when, needs are fulfilled, he said. These include the general state of the economy; whether the community perceives the project to be a high priority; whether the Council decides there are higher priorities; whether other districts, such as the School District, have higher priorities; and whether the costs, financially, are simply too great for the community to bear at the time the need comes before the public.

For all these reasons, and more, jurisdictions sometimes "can get along for years without bonding for projects,'' Cole said. He gave the example of Fire Station 2, recently built off Wilbur Avenue.

"For many years the old fire station was inadequate, but it was not until last year the project was finally completed,'' he said. "I am sure it was scheduled for a long time before the Council decided to ask the electorate for a bond. Sixty percent voter approval at an election with a validated turn-out is a very high bar.

Ultimately, the community often decides what gets built and what doesn't. "I've worked in a city that approved a tax limitation measure and a bond for a second fire station on the same ballot,'' Cole said.

"My notion is the community will purchase what it feels it wants and can afford. I think what people want gets funded, what they don't want or feel they can't afford does not.''

How is it paid for? Property taxes

unionbulletin — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:09:54 CDT

In one way or another, everyone pays them.

By Terry McConn of the Union-Bulletin

Governmental activities are funded through various means.

Taxpayers foot the bills by coughing up money for sales, gas, real estate excise and other taxes, in addition to assessments for water and sewer improvements.

Local entities have received less revenue in recent years, however, largely because of reductions in vehicle registration fees and caps on tax levy increases. Therefore, cities and county governments have had to make do with less, occasionally lowering service levels or deferring desired maintenance.

Some general, ongoing expenses and voter-approved levies that augment operational funds also are paid by property owners. The amount an owner pays is a fair share of what each governmental entity is authorized to receive.

The fair share is calculated from the total assessed value of land and buildings in the county, and is broken down into a consistent rate per $1,000 dollars of each owner's assessment in a particular district.

Because there are limits on how much total money a governmental entity is authorized to receive each year from property taxes, generally a higher assessed value in a district equates to a lower tax rate.

Often voters will authorize the issuance of bonds to pay for construction of major projects, such as permanent buildings. Such authorization requires approval by a supermajority of at least 60 percent of voters.

Nearly all residents pay property taxes whether they see a statement or not. Some are billed directly by the county Treasurer's Office, others pay in connection with their mortgages, still others are charged indirectly through rent.

The accompanying chart shows what a typical city of Walla Walla property owner is being assessed this year.

Keep in mind that owners of property outside the city limits or other districts listed aren't assessed each of the costs, but pay amounts needed for schools, fire protection agencies, road, library and hospital funds in their applicable areas.

WHAT IS PROPERTY TAX?

It's a tax imposed on people because of their ownership or possession of property and is measured by the market value of the property. In Washington state, all real and personal property is subject to tax unless specifically exempted by law. Property tax was the first tax levied in the state. Today, property tax accounts for about 30 percent of state and local taxes. It continues to be the most important revenue source for public schools, fire protection, rural libraries, parks and recreation.

WHO VALUES YOUR PROPERTY?

State law requires that county assessors appraise property at 100 percent of its true and fair market value in money, according to the highest and best use of the property. Fair market value or true value is the amount that a willing and unobligated buyer is willing to pay a willing and unobligated seller. The county assessor values real property using one or more of three professional appraisal methods. Real property includes land, improvements to land, structures and certain equipment affixed to structures. Personal property includes furnishings, machinery and equipment, fixtures, supplies, and tools. The primary characteristic of personal property is its mobility. Personal property tax applies to personal property used when conducting business or to other personal property not exempted by law. Most personal property owned by individuals is specifically exempt. However, if these items are used in a business, personal property tax applies.

WHEN WILL MY PROPERTY VALUES CHANGE?

Assessors must revalue real property at least once every four years. In some counties, properties are revalued each year and require physical inspection at least once every six years. If your appraised real property value changes, you will receive a change of value notice from your local county assessor that lists the old and new appraised value of land and improvements. The frequency of changes in value to your property depends on your county's revaluation cycle.

WHO DECIDES HOW MUCH PROPERTY TAX WILL BE?

Various taxing districts, including the state and local jurisdictions, levy property tax. The individual taxing districts determine the amount of money needed and the county assessor calculates the tax rate necessary to raise that money. The amount of property tax due on an individual property is based on the combination of tax rates and the assessed value of the property. Property tax exemptions are available for some property owners, such as senior citizens, disabled persons, and many nonprofit organizations.

Source: Washington State Department of Revenue

WHAT ARE BONDS?

Just as people need money, so do governments. They need money for everything from infrastructure to social programs. The problem they run into is that they typically need far more money than the average bank can provide. The solution is to raise money by issuing bonds to a public market. Thousands of investors then each lend a portion of the capital needed. Really, a bond is nothing more than a loan for which there are many lenders. The organization that sells a bond is known as the issuer. You can think of a bond as an IOU given by a borrower (the issuer) to a lender (the investor). Of course, the issuer of a bond must pay the investor something extra for the privilege of using his or her money. This ``extra'' comes in the form of interest payments, which are made at a predetermined rate and schedule. The date on which the issuer has to repay the amount borrowed (known as face value) is called the maturity date.

Governments usually pay interest and face value through voter-approved property tax collections.

Municipal bonds, or "munis'' for short, are debt securities issued by a state, municipality or county to finance its capital expenditures. Such expenditures might include the construction of highways, bridges or schools.

The major advantage to municipal bonds is that many of them are exempt from federal taxes and most are exempt from state and local taxes, too, especially if the lender lives in the state that issues the municipal bond. For example, Washington residents can get triple tax savings by buying Washington municipal bonds because they pay no federal, state or local income tax on them. For this reason, munis are very popular with wealthy investors because they avoid having to claim the income for tax purposes.

Source: Investopedia ULC

Do wishes come true?

unionbulletin — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:08:09 CDT

They can - with good timing, good politics, good communication and a little luck

By Terry McConn of the Union-Bulletin

It isn't that easy deciding what people want.

Or predicting how many will support which project.

Or when it's wanted. Or how much it's needed.

Or if the community can afford it.

Or if other proposals are more important.

Or...

Asking for extra tax money from residents can be one of the most difficult decisions facing an elected official.

But it's imperative to the survival of our area. It's essential in maintaining cost-effective, efficient and socially responsible governmental services.

Back in the late 1970s, some community leaders fought long and hard to put together a funding plan - including an increase in sales tax - to start the Valley Transit bus system.

Naysayers complained about "wasteful spending'' for years. But supporters turned a deaf ear, claiming such a service is essential to a modern, progressive and compassionate society.

Now it's generally perceived as a community asset.

Replacing buildings through bond measures that raise property taxes can be controversial, as well. But even well-built structures don't last forever and carving large amounts of remodeling money from bare-bones maintenance budgets usually isn't possible.

Therefore, those who look after our public investments often have to make tough decisions.

How a proposal makes it to the ballot

An idea can come from anywhere.

Maybe it's from a long-existing plan drawn up years ago.

Perhaps it results from a citizen lobby.

Or is a particular department's priority in order to function effectively and safely.

Staff members - those hired by the government to handle day-to-day operations - examine the feasibility of various projects, develop proposals and establish priorities.

But those ultimately responsible - elected members of such entities as school boards, city councils, boards of county commissioners and fire districts - are the ones who decide whether the fate of certain projects should be put to the voters' test.

Walla Walla Mayor Dominick Elia pointed out that some projects are funded by other means, such as donations, local improvement districts and general operating funds. But amassing enough money can prove very difficult when facing construction costs of millions of dollars.

So Elia is one who helps decide ``what gets to that level'' of a bond issue. Several factors come into play, he said.

What city project has the best shot? Is the timing right? Which department issue is most important?

Right now, a combined space for a new police department and dispatch center is the priority. "For me, at least, public safety is first.''

He came to that conclusion by listening to staff members and the general public. "You take all the input you can get from wherever you get it, really, and try to make a decision of what fits best.''

Examining needs is the first step. But community leaders - who pay taxes like everyone else - also take into account "political realities,'' Elia said. Each election can cost a district thousands of dollars and officials try to place on ballots only proposals that have a good chance of passage. Ones that fail badly often are doomed forever.

Also, the city considers the needs of the school district and tries not to place a measure on a ballot that also contains a school request. It makes no practical difference whether one issue is passed one year and another the next, since taxpayers typically pay bond-funded projects for 10-20 years. But, "Psychologically, if you see two or three things on the ballot, they all fail,'' Elia said.

The key is effective communication, he believes. "It takes a lot of involvement by folks and education. A lot of times people don't understand the need and you have to make sure they do.''

It will become harder to pass bond measures with rising property tax payments, Elia predicted. "But I'm of the opinion if you identify the need, and educate people about the need, they will support things.''

Walla Walla School Board President Anne Golden agreed. "Once a problem is recognized, people are willing to step up to the plate and find solutions for the problem,'' she said.

But as school officials found out when a comprehensive bond measure failed at the polls last year, voters often only want to deal with one issue at a time. That revelation later led to passage of a bond for a new Edison School.

As Golden put it: "You gotta listen, gotta be smart, gotta be political.''

Also by listening, the School Board learned that something needs to be done with the high school, but not all the input is in yet. Will retaining one high school emerge as the best alternative? Should there be two? Or three, taking into consideration the role the Lincoln Alternative High School should play?

"Believe me, this is not an easy decision to make,'' Golden said. "What does the community want? I believe education is a community event.''

Updating facilities to meet the needs of students and the curriculum is becoming more difficult because of three main factors, Golden believes.

First, property assessments - hence, taxes - are on the rise. That plus the number of retirees living on fixed incomes create bond election challenges. We can't afford everything we might need, Golden acknowledged.

Also, the makeup of local residents has changed, she said. "We have people from the Seattle and California areas coming here without children. They don't understand the Walla Walla system.''

Therefore, more communication is necessary. "We need to listen to our community. I appreciate the input,'' Golden said.

Walla Walla School District

unionbulletin — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 13:28:21 CDT

http://www.wwps.org/

What is the project?
Address facilities needs at Walla Walla High School.
Where is it?
800 Abbott Road.
How much does it cost?
A 2005 study by the district showed about $32.8 million needed to improve and up
date the school.
Why is it being proposed?
Wa-Hi was one of the three lowest scoring sites on a facilities study done by a consulting group of district schools and buildings.

What is the project?
Address facilities needs at Lincoln Alternative High School, previously Paine School.
Where is it?
421 S. Fourth Ave.
How much does it cost?
A 2005 study by the district showed replacing Lincoln Alternative at its current site would cost about $4 million.
Why is it being proposed?
The building is nearly 80 years old and scored poorly on a facilities study by a consulting group.

What is the project?
Walla Walla School District needs to improve its remaining facilities, including updates to its elementary schools, middle schools, technology equipment, safety
needs and administrative building over 25 years.
How much does it cost?
Based on the same 2005 assessment study of district facilities, about $36 million.

Cost Of Community - Recently Updated Pages

Welcome

This community wiki (what is a wiki?) is a place to discuss the future of the Walla Walla Valley. What needs do you think need to be met for a sustainable, prosperous community?

View bonds that have been approved and rejected over the last 20 years. Find out what possible bond measures are on the horizon. Find out what local agencies believe are the priorities. And more importantly, find out what your fellow community members say are the Valley's most pressing needs.

Join the conversation. Join the wiki. Leave comments and join a discussion. Be heard today.

Read the Union-Bulletin articles:

What the community says

What do you think is the most pressing need in the Walla Walla Valley?

Start a discussion. Join an existing discussion below. Add a comment. Be heard today.

Union-Bulletin series articles

Thursday - September 6, 2007

Friday - September 7, 2007

Sunday - September 9, 2007

Sunday - Sept. 9, 2007

Future of area high schools a mystery

The community has not agreed on the extent - or the existence - of problems much less how to fix them.

College Place plans list many projects, no bonds

Milton-Freewater School District

COLLEGE PLACE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

City of College Place

College Place Public Schools

City of Milton-Freewater

Milton-Freewater School District

Voters continue to nix school bonds

School bonds have failed recently in Walla Walla, College Place and Milton-Freewater.

Please vote

Thursday - Sept. 6, 2007

Friday - Sept. 7, 2007

There's more than one way to get it done

If groups or government officials can't get money for a project, a little ingenuity can pay off.

Growth act gives city tool to get cash, but it's not easy to use

Community support key to city projects, city manager says

How is it paid for? Property taxes

In one way or another, everyone pays them.

Do wishes come true?

They can - with good timing, good politics, good communication and a little luck

Walla Walla School District