Voters OK city shrinking and continued tax for school

Two propositions on local ballots passed by nearly the same results Tuesday.

Electric City's Proposition 1, to de-annex four large parcels of land the city annexed several years ago, passed by about 81%, 169-40.

Nespelem School District 14's Proposition 1, seeking a replacement levy, also passed by a little over 81%, 62-14.

Electric City sought to partially undo the annexation it achieved in 2009, shrinking its boundaries to exclude four parcels owned by state or federal governments. They are untaxable and not developable but require city services, including law enforcement and firefighting. The voters apparently agreed.

Nespelem sought to continue tax support for another four years after its current levy expires this year. Property owners will add about $40,000 to district funds each year, paying $2.15 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation on real property, or $215 for a $100,000 property.

The money is for educational programs and operational expenses not funded by the state.