Supplemental levy is not permanent

SANDPOINT — The proposed two-year supplemental educational replacement before voters is not a permanent levy as some have suggested, according to LPOSD business manager Lisa Hals.

The levy before voters is a two-year levy that, if approved by voters would span from July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2011. It replaces the current educational levy approved by voters approximately two years ago. It requires a majority of district electors' approval for passage.

According to Hals, some voters are confusing this vote with the permanent override levy which is allowed by Idaho Code 33-802.

The mandatory provisions for a permanent override include the following:

- Seven consecutive years of a supplemental levy that has been equal to or greater than 20 percent of the total general operational fund.

- Only after condition one has been met, a school district must submit the question of an indefinite term supplemental levy to the voters for their final approval by majority vote.

Hals added that neither of these conditions has been met by LPOSD.

"I understand the confusion around the law, but the district has not met any of the criteria so is ineligible for the override," Superintendent Dick Cvitanich said. "Frankly, any discussion of this topic would require board discussion and eligibility is seven years away."

Voters with questions on this topic should call Lisa Hals at 263-5053, extension 210.