North Mason Homeowner’s Guide to the April 28 Levy: What It Costs, What It Funds, and Why It’s on the Ballot Again
If you own property in the North Mason School District — anywhere from Belfair to Allyn, Tahuya to Union — you have a direct financial stake in the April 28 levy vote. Here’s a plain-language breakdown of what you’re being asked to approve, what it will cost you, and why this is the third time you’ve seen it on the ballot.
What You’re Actually Voting On
This is an EP&O (Educational Programs and Operations) replacement levy — not a new tax, but a renewal of a levy that North Mason voters previously approved and that expired at the end of 2025. Under Washington state law, the district cannot simply continue collecting it. Voters have to reauthorize it each cycle.
The proposed levy authorizes up to $5.5 million per year for four years. The actual amount collected per year — and what it costs each property owner — is calculated against total assessed property values in the district.
What Does This Cost a North Mason Property Owner?
EP&O levy rates are expressed in dollars per $1,000 of assessed value. If your home is assessed at $450,000 (near the median for North Mason area), and the levy rate works out to roughly $0.50–$0.55 per $1,000, your annual levy cost would be approximately $225–$250 per year — or about $20/month.
Your exact cost depends on your parcel’s current assessed value. Check your Mason County property tax statement or look up your parcel at masoncountywa.gov for the accurate number. The Mason County Assessor’s office can also help you calculate the levy’s impact on your specific property.
Where the Money Goes
State funding covers basic classroom instruction in Washington schools. The levy fills the gap for everything else the community expects from a functioning school system: music programs at North Mason Middle School and NMHS, athletics for middle and high school students, school security officers, after-school activities, and partial funding toward the community gymnasium roof replacement — a capital need that has been deferred for years.
None of these programs have a state funding source. Without the levy, they are cut or significantly reduced.
Why It’s on the Ballot for the Third Time
Voters rejected the levy in February 2025 (roughly 46% yes, needing 50%+) and again in November 2025. Both times, it fell short by a margin that suggests the outcome turns on voter turnout more than deep opposition. Spring special elections typically draw fewer voters than fall elections — which means registered North Mason property owners who don’t return their ballots have an outsized effect on the result.
Since the November failure, the district has been absorbing the financial impact. Enrollment came in lower than projected, adding a separate $1 million-plus shortfall. Superintendent Dr. Kristine Michael submitted an emergency cash request in March 2026 and has been, in her words, “squeezing every dollar.” Staff reductions have already been made.
What a Third Failure Would Mean for the District — and Your Property
Beyond the direct program cuts, a third consecutive levy failure has broader implications for North Mason. School quality is a significant driver of residential property values. Districts that cut music, sports, and safety staffing over multiple years typically see enrollment decline further — which reduces state funding further, creating a compounding cycle. For property owners in Belfair, Allyn, and the surrounding area, the school district’s financial health is directly tied to the area’s long-term appeal and property values.
Key Dates for Property Owners
- April 20: Voter registration deadline (register at VoteWA.gov)
- April 28: Ballot due — mail or drop box
- Drop boxes: Check masoncountywa.gov/departments/auditor for Belfair-area locations
Frequently Asked Questions for North Mason Property Owners
How do I find out what the levy will cost me specifically?
Look up your parcel assessed value at masoncountywa.gov, then apply the levy rate per $1,000. The Mason County Assessor (360-427-9670 ext 491) can walk you through the calculation for your property.
Is this the same levy that was on the ballot in 2025?
Yes — the same fundamental proposal. It replaces the EP&O levy that voters approved in 2022 and that expired at the end of 2025. The levy amount (up to $5.5M/year) and duration (4 years) have remained consistent across all three attempts.
If I voted no before, has anything changed?
The core levy is the same. What has changed is the consequences: staff have been cut, a budget shortfall has been confirmed, and the emergency cash request signals the district is past contingency planning and into crisis management. Voters who were on the fence in November are now seeing the real-world outcome of a “no” vote.
Can the district raise the levy rate above the authorized amount?
No. The levy rate is capped by both the voter-approved maximum and state law limits on EP&O levies. The district cannot collect more than voters authorized.
Where can I read the full levy resolution?
Visit northmasonschools.org/page/levy-info or attend a North Mason School District board meeting. Agenda materials are posted in advance at northmasonschools.org/page/board-meetings.
Related from Belfair Bugle: Full levy guide: Everything Belfair needs to know about the April 28 vote | Original schools & youth coverage: April 8, 2026
