District staff outline mechanics, costs and risks of a local‑option levy; staff to pursue further technical work

Staff delivered an in‑depth introduction to local‑option levies, including legal background (Measure 5 and Measure 50), differences between assessed value and real market value, and the frequent complication known as "compression" that reduces levy yield. Using data provided by financial advisors, staff showed pre‑compression revenue ranges (for example, about $4.3M at $0.50 per $1,000 assessed, $8.6M at $1.00 and $13M at $1.50) while emphasizing those figures ‘‘are near meaningless until you understand the compression."

Communications staff explained the distinction between the district's neutral informational campaign (which the district may fund and must remain neutral) and a community PAC that would carry out advocacy for a yes vote; staff estimated district informational costs in the $165k–$300k range and said PAC fundraising can range widely. Staff recommended two free next steps: a deeper technical briefing from Piper Sandler (available for additional detail) and a consultation with a public‑affairs firm; a compression study is estimated to cost about $10,000. Board members emphasized timing (double‑majority turnout rules make presidential elections more favorable) and urged careful community outreach and cross‑district coordination before committing funds. No levy decision was made at the work session.