Two districts seek levy approval on Tuesday

Somers-Lakeside and Whitefish school districts are seeking voter approval of two levies in Tuesday’s election.

These general fund operation and maintenance levies cover a broad range of day-to-day expenses that keep schools open such as building upgrades, repairs, heating, lighting, security, staffing and classroom supplies.

Somers-Lakeside is requesting $185,000 per year.

If the levy is approved, owners of homes valued at $200,000 could anticipate taxes would increase by about $19.09 annually. If approved, the tax increase is permanent.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Somers Middle School, 315 School Addition Road, Somers, and at Lakeside Elementary School, 255 Adams St., Lakeside.

Whitefish’s elementary district is requesting a levy of $36,000.

Only taxpayers living in the elementary district will vote on the levy. If it passes, owners of homes valued at $200,000 can expect taxes to increase by about $1.86 annually. If approved, the tax increase is permanent.

Also on the Whitefish ballot is a contested race for a three-year term on the school board. Candidates are Bob Auerbach, Pat Jarvi and Marguerite Kaminski.

Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the board room of the district office at 600 E. Second St., Whitefish.

Bigfork School District will hold a mail-ballot election to choose a candidate for one open seat on the elementary district. Candidates are incumbent Maureen Averill and Christina Relyea.

Approximately 5,700 ballots have been mailed to elementary district voters. Ballots are due at the district office by 8 p.m. Tuesday.