Voters in the Richland and Pasco school districts are being asked to approve or reject new debt for school construction.

In making this decision, it will be helpful to know how much of your property taxes are currently dedicated to funding local schools. To obtain this information, locate your 2012 county property tax statement. Note the amount of 2012 tax distribution for your school district and divide this number by your total 2012 county and state property tax. Multiply the result by 100 and you will find the percentage of your taxes devoted to local schools last year. As an example, 30 percent of county and state taxes paid for property owned by my wife and me were allocated to our school district. If new bonds are approved, percentages will be higher.

TIMOTHY DOVE, West Richland