🏫Kiona-Benton's school levy is failing by two votes as other local levies fall short

If you live in the Kiona-Benton City School District, your replacement levy was failing by two votes: 777 against, 775 for. Superintendent Pete Peterson says it could take the better part of a week, week and a half until certification to know where it lands.

The two-year, $4.5 million levy would restore art and elective programs, counselors and a transportation supervisor, and unlock nearly $800,000 in state matching money. Peterson said approval could help the district leave state oversight sooner.

• Rate: $1.30 per $1,000 of assessed value
• Estimated collection: $2.2 million in 2027, $2.3 million in 2028
• Oversight: monthly state reviews of district finances

If the result holds, art, music and transportation to sporting events could stay on hold. Two other measures were also falling short: Benton City's Proposition 2, a property tax for law enforcement and code enforcement, and Franklin County Fire District 3's levy. Fire Chief Mike Harris said the district will put off hiring another paramedic.