2 Bond Measures Trailing, Most Levies Passing In Pierce County

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — Two of three Pierce County school bond measures were still well below the required threshold to pass after updated results were posted Wednesday afternoon.

School bonds need 60 percent voter support to pass, while levies require only a simple majority.

On Wednesday, a proposed $205 million bond to pay for a new Sumner High School was nearly 14 points below the threshold needed to approve. The estimated tax rate would have added about $11.25 per month to the property tax bill on a home valued at $300,000.

In Eatonville, a $4 million bond to renovate athletic facilities at Eatonville High School was behind by close to 15 points.

One Pierce County bond appears very likely to pass: Wednesday's numbers showed Tacoma voters handily approving a $535 million proposal to renovate or replace eight schools across the city, making necessary seismic upgrades, security enhancements and roof repairs.

Most of the school levy measures were comfortably positioned to pass, except for Yelm Community Schools, which was about 6 percent behind, and Orting School District, where the yes or no vote was separated by just 11 votes.

Voter turnout for the election, as of Wednesday, was listed at 31.87 percent.

Feb. 11 Special Election Results In Pierce County (Updated Wednesday):

Tacoma Public Schools (Tacoma)

Approved: 67.93%
Rejected: 32.07%

Tacoma School District No. 10 is sought approval for a $535 million bond measure, with funds earmarked to renovate eight schools and implement security improvements across the district. Other projects include earthquake safety retrofitting, ADA improvements and classroom upgrades. To pass, the measure requires 60 percent approval from voters.

Peninsula School District (Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula)

Approved: 61.70%
Rejected: 38.30%

Peninsula School District No. 401 looked to renew an expiring levy to help maintain educational programs and operations that have not received full funding from the state. The proposed levy rate would add $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value to property tax bills through 2023. The measure requires a simple majority to pass.

Clover Park School District (Lakewood/JBLM)

Approved: 54.95%
Rejected: 45.05%

Clover Park School District No. 400 sought to replace an expiring bond for educational programs and operations, paid for by an additional property tax levy through 2024. Each property owner within the district would pay $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value through 2024. The measure requires a simple majority to pass.

Sumner-Bonney Lake School District (Sumner/Bonney Lake)
Voters in Sumner and Bonney Lake had a pair of school-related measures to consider this time around. Both items cover School District No. 320.

Proposition No. 1 sought to replace an expiring levy and add a levy rate of $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value through 2024. The measure requires a simple majority to pass.

Approved: 52.45%
Rejected: 47.55%

Proposition No. 2 would authorize the district to build a brand new high school, replacing Sumner High, and including a new Performing Arts Center, gym and pool. The district is seeking $205 million in bonds to acquire land in the Tehaleh area and complete construction of the project. That measure requires a minimum of 5,219 votes and a 60 percent majority to pass.

Approved: 46.28%
Rejected: 53.72%

Valley Regional Fire Authority

Some Pierce County voters living in the Auburn or Pacific area saw a ballot proposition related to Valley Regional Fire Authority, restoring the property tax levy to its original rate. The new levy would be used to help fund fire protection and emergency services within the agency's jurisdiction.

Approved: 72.66%
Rejected: 27.34%

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Other Pierce County Results:

Yelm Community Schools
Proposition No. 1

Approved: 43.84%
Rejected: 56.16%

Carbonado Historical School District No. 19
Proposition No. 1

Approved: 64.16%
Rejected: 35.84%

Dieringer School District No. 343
Proposition No. 1

Approved: 58.07%
Rejected: 41.93%

Orting School District No. 344
Proposition No. 1

Approved: 49.82%
Rejected: 50.18%

Eatonville School District No. 404
Proposition No. 1

Approved: 53.42%
Rejected: 46.58%

Eatonville School District No. 404
Proposition No. 2

Approved: 45.54%
Rejected: 54.46%

Auburn School District No. 408
Proposition No. 1

Approved: 66.19%
Rejected: 33.81%

Auburn School District No. 408
Proposition No. 2

Approved: 67.82%
Rejected: 32.18%

White River School District No. 416
Proposition No. 1

Approved: 55.82%
Rejected: 44.18%

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An updated list of election results are expected by 4 p.m. Thursday.

Washington votes in the 2020 Presidential Primary on March 10. Another special election is slated for April 28.

Questions? Call 253-798-VOTE.