Marion puts two levy choices before voters

 Marion School is requesting a $67,000 technology levy over 10 years and a $33,708 general fund levy.

Voting will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Marion Fire Department, 180 Gopher Lane.

Taxpayers who own homes with assessed taxable market value of $100,000 could expect to see increases of $6.48 annually if the general fund levy is approved and $12.83 if the technology levy is passed.

 People who own homes with assessed taxable market values of $200,000 could see their tax bills rise $12.96 if the general fund levy is approved and $25.66 if the technology levy is approved.

The general fund levy would be used to maintain current programming and small class sizes, according to Marion Principal Cherie Stobie.

“It would also make up for our projected loss in funding of about $32,000 because of declining enrollment,” Stobie said,

“We would really like to work on some facilities — some safety concerns like a leaking gym roof. Our main goal is to keep current staffing.”

The technology levy also would help the school replace computers that aren’t functioning, Stobie said, and allow the school to plan for maintenance.

Trustees Julie Golovko will be seated for a three-year term by acclamation and Katie Nelson for a one-year term.

Tuesday also is the deadline for voters to return ballots for a Kalispell Public Schools mail election.

Kalispell voters are being asked to approve a $600,000-a-year technology levy for the high schools and a $600,000-a-year technology levy for elementary schools.

The levies, if approved, would last 10 years.

Voters have until 8 p.m. Tuesday to drop off ballots at the Central Administration Office, 233 First Ave. E. in Kalispell.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.