Residents approve levies above legal cap

In a landmark election, Whitman County voters approved levies violating the state’s legal limit, continuing a precedent set by other school districts.

School districts in Oakesdale and Colton each asked for programs and operations levies that are higher than what is allowed under Washington’s McCleary decision, at $3.67 and $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, respectively. Both passed with more than 60 percent of the vote.

Colton voters approved the levy for $2.50 with a 131-54 vote for an 70.81 approval.

Oakesdale voters gave a 95-52 vote for a 64.63 percent approval. The Oakesdale p...