Final votes are in on Tri-City school district levy elections

Levies in four Mid-Columbia school districts passed but a fifth failed after the final votes were counted Friday.

The two-year levy in Finley clung onto its 33-vote lead to pass with 52 percent approval, or 396 to 363. On election day, the first count ended in a tie.

School districts need to get more than 50 percent of the votes to pass a levy.

Finley Superintendent Lance Hahn said he was thankful a majority saw the need for money for costs not covered by state allocations.

That can include more school nurses, art, music and drama and security officers.

The 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.

Kiona-Benton City’s two-year levy failed to pass, with just 44 percent supporting it.

It was the only district in the area to ask for the full $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value allowed by the state.

Levies in Paterson, Kahlotus and North Franklin schools passed by wide margins.