Rosalia keeps levy request at same level

The Town of Rosalia has its annual levy proposal on the upcoming February special election ballot, and the town plans to keep its levy request at $69,000, the same as it has in years past.

“We left it the same as last year, even though we were concerned that the power costs for street lights are going up,” said Mayor Nanette Konishi. “We're holding firm right now, though.”

Town Clerk/Treasurer Jenna McDonald said the town council discussed the levy and decided to keep it the same despite the rising cost of electricity.

“After talking with council and maintenance, we decided we're not ready to ask for more, but we're always checking the rates,” said McDonald.

The levy, if passed, will be collected at a rate of $3.35 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

McDonald said Rosalia strategically places its levies on ballots early in the year so the town can plan ahead.

“Being able to have it pass this early, it really helps with planning,” she said, noting the town will have the opportunity to plan and budget for street projects for next year if they know the levy has passed.

Another thing a passed levy brings, she said, is the opportunity to have community discussions about priorities with projects.

“It's always nice to get some citizen input, and if the levy passes, we have that time to take their input and take it into consideration in our budget,” said McDonald. “It's a lot less stressful this way.”

Funds from the levy cannot be collected until 2018.

Ballots for the special election will be mailed Friday, Jan. 27.