WASHINGTON STATE – Results from the first tally of votes for the April 22 special election have been released by Benton, Yakima and Walla Walla counties.
Benton County voters in Finley School District 53 are backing a replacement educational programs and operations (EP&O) levy with 61% of the vote.
The levy will support essential educational programs and services that are not fully funded by the state over a two-year period in 2026 and 2027.
Proposition 1, a measure to fund a new emergency radio system through a sales tax increase in Yakima, is passing overwhelmingly with 78% approval. The proposal involves a 0.2% sales tax hike, adding 20 cents on a $100 purchase.
The initiative aims to raise $35 million for a unified emergency radio system to enhance communication for first responders across the valley.
In Walla Walla County, the Waitsburg School District proposed Proposition 1, a capital projects levy aimed at enhancing safety, security, and technology within the district.
That measure will likely fail as it’s only getting 44% of the vote.
However, Walla Walla County Fire Protection Districts No. 1, 3, and 7 have put forth a proposal to form a new regional fire authority named Walla Walla North County Fire and it’s passing with 78% of the vote.
The joint resolution will create the Walla Walla North County Fire as a regional authority on May 1, 2025.
Funding would come from a property tax not exceeding $1.20 per thousand dollars of assessed value, levied in 2025 and collected in 2026.
Benton CountyResult Finley School District 53 Proposition 161% yes39% no Walla Walla County Proposition 1 Safety, security and technology capital projects levy56% no44% yes Proposition 1 Formation of a regional fire authority named Walla Walla North County Fire78% yes22% no Yakima County Proposition 1 New emergency radio system through a sales tax increase72% yes28% no
