TranslateWhy is the District Proposing this Local Option Levy?
Due to decreases in timber revenue, the Neah-Kah-Nie School District estimates a budget shortfall of up to $2.7 million for the 2025-2026 school year, leaving the District unable to maintain current services and programs. A $2.7 million budget reduction is equivalent to eliminating 20.5 teacher, staff, and administrator positions.
Levy Town Hall Meetings
- Nehalem Town Hall – April 3, 2025
Nehalem Elementary Gym
5:30pm – 6:30pm - Rockaway Town Hall – April 7, 2025
Neah-Kah-Nie High School Lower Gym
5:30pm – 6:30pm - Garibaldi Town Hall – April 10, 2025
Garibaldi Grade School Gym
5:30pm – 6:30pm
If Passed, What Would the Levy Fund?
The proposed Levy would raise $2.0 million annually and if passed would:
- Retain teachers and staff at all schools
- Maintain existing class sizes (Elementary 21:1, Middle 22:1, High School 24:1)
- Maintain extracurricular programs in fine arts and athletics
- Support course offerings in Career-Technical Education and Advanced Placement courses
Costs and Oversight
This levy would be a $0.26 per 1000 increase from what residents currently pay due to the expiring 2004 middle school bond.
If passed, the proposed measure would raise approximately $2.0 million in the 2025-26 school year, at a rate estimated not to exceed $0.75 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value within the district for five years.
Local option levy funding, and all district finances and expenditures, are subject to accountability measures including regular audits and the School Board.
Additional information and updates about the levy will be posted to this page as they become available.
Calculate Your Levy Impact
To calculate the estimated impact on your property, please click the button below.
https://query.co.tillamook.or.us/PSO/search?searchOption=Name&pageNumber=1
Search your name, house #, or account number using the drop down menu. Click on the
blue link on the property and your assessed value (AV) for the latest tax year is in the
middle left of the page. See below.
Enter this into the calculator below to get an estimated tax impact on the proposed
levy.
Neah-Kah-Nie Proposed Levy Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money will the proposed education levy raise for the District?
If passed, the proposed measure would raise approximately $2.0 million in the 2025-26 school year.
What will the funds from the proposed education levy be spent on?
If passed, levy funds would prevent reductions to teaching and staff positions; maintain current average class sizes; maintain extracurricular and athletics programs; support Career and Technical Education and Dual Credit/Expanded Options courses; and avoid the loss of instructional time through potential furlough days.
When is the election?
The election is Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Ballots will be mailed to voters on or around Wednesday, April 30. Completed ballots must be received or mailed with a valid postmark by 8 p.m. on Election Day. For the location of an official ballot drop site, see this list (Coming Soon) from the Tillamook County Clerk.
How do I register to vote?
https://sos.oregon.gov/voting/pages/registration.aspx?lang=en
When will the District receive the funds from the proposed education levy, if passed?
If the levy is approved, the District would begin receiving taxes in November 2025 for the 2025-26 tax year.
How long will the proposed education levy last?
The proposed levy on the May 2025 ballot has a five-year period if approved, and would take effect in the 2025-26 school year. Voter approval prior to the 2029-30 school year would be required for levy renewal at the end of the five-year period.
How much would the proposed education levy cost property owners?
The proposed levy would cost property owners a maximum tax rate of $0.75 per $1,000 of assessed property value per year. The owner of a property with an assessed value of $250,000 would pay $5.50 more per month.
What accountability measures would be in place to ensure levy funds were used appropriately and managed correctly by the District?
Funds collected from the proposed education levy would be placed in a sub-account, and a citizen Budget Committee and School Board oversight will monitor expenditures to verify that funds are used as approved by voters. No levy funds will be spent for administration, and performance auditing of district programs will be completed regularly.
Would businesses also pay the proposed education levy tax on commercial properties?
Yes, businesses with commercial properties would also be subject to the levy tax, if passed.
