Lakeland levy request will be on May 19 ballot

A request for a $3 million-per-year, five-year plant facilities levy will be on the May 19 ballot for voters in the Lakeland Joint School District.

If approved, the funds will support facility improvements, safety upgrades and maintenance at the district's 11 schools in the Rathdrum, Athol, Spirit Lake, Garwood and Twin Lakes communities.

If at least 55% of voters say yes to the 2026 levy request, an estimated $30.24 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value would appear on yearly property tax bills. A homeowner's exemption of $125,000 reduces the taxable assessed value and would further lower the cost for property owners.

Lakeland's last plant facilities levy, which supported capital improvements at $1.146 million per year for two years, expired June 30, 2025. Just over 55% of voters approved the levy in May 2023 on a reduced timeline, after an initial attempt for a six-year, $1.146 million-per-year facilities levy received only about 49%.

Facilities levy funds would be used for projects such as general preventive maintenance, safety and security improvements, window and door replacements and electrical and plumbing needs.