Finley school levy vote no longer tied after more ballots are counted

The Finley School District levy was passing by 31 votes Wednesday afternoon after more ballots were counted in Benton County.

The vote was tied at 339-339 after the initial ballot count Tuesday night.

The total late Wednesday afternoon was 389, or 52 percent, in favor of the levy and 358, or 48 percent, opposed.

The levy for replacement educational programs and operations levies on the ballot requires a vote over 50 percent to pass.

Finley School District asked for $1.94 per $1,000 of assessed value for the first year of the levy and $1.99 per $1,000 of the assessed value the second year to bring in $1.125 million in 2021 and $1.175 million in 2022.

The levy would replace an expiring levy.

School levies cover school district costs the state does not pay for, such as athletics. They also heavily subsidize many other programs, including art, music and drama or can be used to hire more counselors, nurses, librarians and security officers.

Levies in Paterson, Kahlotus and North Franklin were passing.

The Kiona-Benton City School District levy was still failing with just 44 percent of voters favoring the measure.