The Whatcom County Auditor has announced ballots for the February 14 election will be mailed out today, January 27.

The ballots will contain a proposition specific to the Ferndale area and one proposition for each of the county’s school districts. Blaine and Birch Bay voters will see both a maintenance and operations levy renewal proposition and one for the $3 million capital projects bond, both for the Blaine school district.

The levy, which accounts for 24 percent of the district’s day-to-day operating costs, would be effective for budget years 2013 through 2016. If approved, Blaine’s levy would rise to $1.62 per $1,000 in 2013, increasing to $1.68 for 2016. The levy requires a simply majority to pass.

The $3 million bond, however, will need a supermajority of 60 percent or more of the vote to pass. Approximately $2.4 million will be used to upgrade Blaine High School's science facilities from one lab room to six. The remaining funds will be used for special education, security, heating and lighting upgrades.

Last April, the Blaine school district went out for a $32 million bond that failed by less than one percent of the vote. The $32 million would have paid for extensive school facilities upgrades, including upgrades and additions to high school science and math, middle and elementary school facilities.

If any Blaine or Birch Bay voters do not receive their ballot in the mail by February 3, they are urged to contact the county auditor’s office at 360/676-6740. For more information on the February 14 elections, visit the county auditor’s website here.
 
Click here for a PDF of a sample ballot for the February 14 elections.