Most school levies passing, Pasco voters sign off on new property tax

February 10, 2026

All levy renewals proposed by Tri-City school districts except for one are passing in the February special election. Pasco residents also are passing a measure to have the city formally join Mid-Columbia Libraries’ taxing district, which will levy a new property tax.

Voters are rejecting Pasco School District’s four-year renewal of its Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy. As of Feb. 13, it had narrowed to 49.6% approval, 85 votes less than those rejecting it. County election officials reported as of Election Day that 129 ballots were challenged. As of Feb. 13, there were a reported 36 ballots left to count.

The district was anticipating to collect more than $35 million from the levy beginning in 2027 if it passed.

After the election, PSD received calls from voters about their online vote status not indicating they had turned in a ballot or that it was counted. School district officials encouraged voters to reach out to the Franklin County Auditor's office to address those questions or resolve issues with the status of their ballot.

Kennewick School District's four-year renewals of its Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) and Safety, Security and Instructional Technology Improvements levies had more than 55% approval by voters as of Feb. 13. They will collect property taxes of $29.5 million and $8.5 million, respectively, beginning in 2027.

Richland School District’s four-year renewals of its Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) and Instructional Technology Improvements levies were passing by slightly narrower margins around 54%. They will collect property taxes of $43.8 million and $8.7 million, respectively, beginning in 2027.

Levies in the small outlying school districts of North Franklin and Kahlotus were also passing.

More than 60% of Pasco voters said yes to joining the taxing district for Mid-Columbia Libraries. The library district currently operates the two libraries in Pasco on a contract with the city. By joining the taxing district, city residents would directly fund library operations via a new property tax of 23 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value, which would provide an estimated $3 million to the library district.