HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 - Blaine School District No. 503 General Obligation Bonds $70,000,000 Special Election February 13, 2024Whatcom County
Auditor's Office
Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
March 15, 2024
Election Results Receipt
Stacy Henthorn
County Auditor
Amy Grasher
Chief Deputy Auditor
Copies of the following proposition election results from the February 13, 2024 Special Election, have
been delivered to the Assessor's and Treasurer's Office:
■ Bellingham School District 501: Proposition 2024-12 Replacement Educational
Support and Operations Levy and Proposition 2024-13 Replacement Technology
Capital Projects Levy
• Ferndale School District 502: Proposition 2024-11, School Programs and Operations
Replacement Levy
■ Blaine School District 503: Proposition 2024-07, Replacement Educational
Programs and Operations Levy and Proposition 2024-08, General Obligations
Bonds - $70,000,000
• Lynden School District 504: Proposition 2024-01 Renewal of Educational Programs
and Operations Levy and Proposition 2024-02 General Obligations Bond -
$157,500,000
• Meridian School District 505: Proposition 202-4-09, Educational Programs and
Operations Replacement Levy and Proposition 202-4-io, Replacement
Technology Capital Projects Levy
• Nooksack Valley School District 5o6: Proposition 2024-04, Replacement
Educational Programs and Operations Levy
• Mt Baker School District 507: Proposition 2024-05, Educational Programs and
Operations Replacement Levy and Proposition 2024-06, Renewal Capital
Projects Levy
• Concrete School District No. ii: Proposition No. 1, Replacement of Expiring Levy for
Educational Programs and Operations and Proposition No. z, Capital Levy for Safety,
Security and Accessibility Improvements
• Fire Protection District 8: Proposition 2024-14, Tax Levy for Maintenance, Facilities
and Operations
■ Blaine -Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2: Proposition 2024-03, Authorizing
Continuing Property Tax Levy
Receipt Acknowledged:
Assessor's Office:
Reb cca czar Date
Treasurer's Office:
Steven sliver Da ee
Page 2
Statement of Votes Cast by Geography Page: 1 of 1
Whatcom County, Washington, February Special, Feb 13, 2024 2024-02-23
All Precincts, All Districts, All Counter Groups, All ScanStations, Blaine SD 503 Prop 2024-07 09:26:39
Replacement Edu Prog & Ope Levy, Blaine SD 503 Prop 2024-08 Gen Obligations Bond $70,000,000,
All Boxes
Total Ballots Cast: 5896, Re istered Voters: 159750 Overall Turnout: 3.69%
Choice Votes Vote %
All Precincts
Blaine SD 503 Prop 2024-07 Replacement Edu Prog & Ope Levy (Vote for 1)
5896 ballots (0 over voted ballots, 0 overvotes, 132 undervotes), 14775 registered voters, turnout 39.91%
Yes 3345 58.03%
No 2419 41.97%
Total 5764 100.00%
Overvotes 0
Undervotes 132
Blaine SD 503 Prop 2024-08 Gen Obligations Bond $70,000,000 (Vote for 1)
5896 ballots (0 over voted ballots, 0 overvotes, 46 undervotes), 14775 registered voters, turnout 39.91%
Approved 3200 54.70%
Reierted 2650 45.30%
Total 5850 100.00%
Overvotes 0
Undervotes 46
STATE OF WASHINGTON )
) ss
COUNTY OF WHATCOM )
This is to certify that on February 13, 2024, there was held a special election in Blaine School District 503,
Whatcom County, Washington, for the submission of a ballot measure to the voters for their approval or rejection.
The results of the election were duly canvassed by the Whatcom County Canvassing Board on February, 23, 2024,
and the results of said canvass are as reads above.
Dated this 29th day of February, 2024, Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington.
Stacy Henthor
County Auditor
Final Eaneua�e
Ballot Title
Blaine School District 503
Proposition 2024-08
General Obligations Bond - $70,000,000
The Board of Directors of Blaine School District 503 adopted Resolution No. 2324-02 approving a
proposition for bonds. This proposition authorizes the District to make improvements and additions to
Blaine Middle School, Pipeline Athletic Complex, Point Roberts Primary School, Birch Bay site, and other
capital improvements; to issue $70,000,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within a maximum of
25 years, and to collect excess property taxes annually to repay the bonds, as provided in Resolution No.
2324-02.
Should this proposition be:
Approved
Rejected
Explanatory Statement
The Board of Directors of Blaine School District 503 adopted Resolution No. 232402 approving a
proposition for bonds. This proposition authorizes the District to renovate and modernize Blaine
Middle School; field upgrades and additions to Pipeline Athletic Complex; improvements to Point
Roberts Primary School; improvements of maintenance facilities, technology infrastructure,
electrical and mechanical upgrades; Birch Bay site improvements; and other capital infrastructure
improvements to the facilities of the District, to issue $70,000,000 of general obligation bonds
maturing within a maximum of 25 years, and to collect excess property taxes annually to repay the
bonds, as provided in the Resolution.
Whatcom County Auditor's Office Received 9� Person
Ballot Measure Coversheet DEC 0 6 2023 -
Whatcom Coujty Elections
istritt-Information,- - -
District Name: Blaine School District No 503
District Address: 765 H Street, Blaine, WA 98230
Contact Person 1
Tina Padilla
Name & Title
360-332-5881 tpadilla@blainesd.org
Phone & email
ynthia Weed, K&L Gates
Name & Title
2063707801 cynthia.weed@klgates.col
Contact Person 2
Dr. Christopher Granger
Name & Title
360-332-5881 cgranger@blainesd.orc
Phone & email
Has your attorney prepared this ballot measure?
(F) Yes ® No
Phone & email
Are the following required documents included? (circle one)
Resolution
with original signatures or a certified copy (Yes) No
Explanatory Statement
prepared by your attorney, not to exceed loo words Yes No
"For" and "Against" Committee Appointment Forms /Yes l No
Completed Ballot Measure Coversheet ( Yes N No
Complete if anything is missing...
I understand that the deadline to submit the missing
eCei9( ��el"SOR
information is 12/15/2023
The Auditor's Office will not begin processing this ballot
- DEC Q 6 2023
meas until all require uments have been submitted. Whatcom C4U-'Ity. tions
7
Presenter's Signature Deputy Auditor's Signature
This form is available in a fillable form on the Auditor's website: https:(/,wvy_y+,!cehakcs�SDlJ.t�ty,sks13593 Distri- 8eSMMMe% UA-I� WC I Q CkK9l l
Deceived In Verson
DEC 0 6 2023
Whatcom County Elections
BLAINE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 503
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
RESOLUTION NO.2324-02
A RESOLUTION of the Board of Directors of Blaine School District
No. 503, Whatcom County, Washington, providing for the form of
the ballot proposition and specifying certain other details
concerning submission to the qualified electors of the district at a
special election to be held therein on February 13, 2024, of a
proposition for the issuance of its general obligation bonds in the
aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $70,000,000, or so
much thereof as may be issued under the laws governing the
indebtedness of school districts, for the purpose of providing funds
to: renovate and modernize Blaine Middle School; field upgrades
and additions to Pipeline Athletic Complex; improvements to Point
Roberts Primary School; campus -wide improvements of
maintenance facilities, technology infrastructure, electrical and
mechanical upgrades and replacements; Birch Bay site
improvements and design; other capital infrastructure
improvements to the facilities of the District; and authorizing the
Superintendent and/or the Director of Finance & Operations to
submit a request for eligibility for the Washington State School
District Credit Enhancement Program.
ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 25, 2023
PREPARED BY:
K&L GATES LLP
Seattle, Washington
507034212.1
BLAINE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 503
RESOLUTION NO.2324-02
TABLE OF CONTENTS*
Page
Recitals.......................................................................................................................................... 1
Section1.
Findings.................................................................................................................2
Section 2.
Capital Improvements...........................................................................................2
Section 3.
Authorization of Bonds......................................................................................... 4
Section4.
Details of Bonds.................................................................................................... 5
Section5.
Election................................................................................................................. 5
Section 6.
Notices Relating to Ballot Title............................................................................ 6
Section7.
Voters' Pamphlet.................................................................................................. 6
Section8.
Severability........................................................................................................... 7
Section9.
Effective Date....................................................................................................... 8
* This table of contents and the cover page are not a part of this resolution; they are included
for convenience of the reader only.
507034212.1
RESOLUTION NO.2324-02
A RESOLUTION of the Board of Directors of Blaine School District
No. 503, Whatcom County, Washington, providing for the form of
the ballot proposition and specifying certain other details
concerning submission to the qualified electors of the district at a
special election to be held therein on February 13, 2024, of a
proposition for the issuance of its general obligation bonds in the
aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $70,000,000, or so
much thereof as may be issued under the laws governing the
indebtedness of school districts, for the purpose of providing funds
to: renovate and modernize Blaine Middle School; field upgrades
and additions to Pipeline Athletic Complex; improvements to Point
Roberts Primary School; campus -wide improvements of
maintenance facilities, technology infrastructure, electrical and
mechanical upgrades and replacements; Birch Bay site
improvements and design; other capital infrastructure
improvements to the facilities of the District; and authorizing the
Superintendent and/or the Director of Finance & Operations to
submit a request for eligibility for the Washington State School
District Credit Enhancement Program.
WHEREAS, Blaine School District No. 503, Whatcom County, Washington (the
"District") is in need of multiple capital improvements (hereinafter defined as the
"Improvements"); and
WHEREAS, in order to provide all or a part of the funds to enable the District to
undertake the Projects, it is deemed necessary and advisable that the District issue and sell its
unlimited tax general obligation bonds to provide funds for such purposes; and
WHEREAS, the Constitution and laws of the State of Washington (including
RCW 28A.530.010 and RCW 84.52.056) provide that the question of whether or not such bonds
may be issued and sold for such purposes must be submitted to the qualified electors of the
District for their ratification or rejection; and
507034212.1
WHEREAS, in RCW ch. 39.98 (the "Credit Enhancement Act"), the State Legislature
established a credit enhancement program (the "Program") for voter -approved school district
general obligation bonds; and
WHEREAS, Section 39.98.040 of the Credit Enhancement Act authorizes the state
treasurer to make a determination that a school district is eligible for participation in the Program
if the state treasurer determines that the District is eligible under rules adopted by the state
finance committee; and
WHEREAS, the District may elect to participate in the Program upon an administrative
determination that it is cost-effective;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF BLAINE SCHOOL
DISTRICT NO. 503, WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON DOES RESOLVE, as follows:
Section 1. Findings. This Board of Directors (the "Board") hereby finds and declares
that the best interest of the students and other residents of the District require the District to carry
out the plans hereinafter provided at the time or times and in the order deemed most necessary
and advisable by the Board.
Section 2. Capital Improvements. The District shall undertake the following
improvements (collectively, the "Improvements"):
■ Renovate and modernize Blaine Middle School;
■ Field upgrades and additions to Pipeline Athletic Complex;
+ Improvements and acquisitions regarding Point Roberts Primary School, including
exterior lighting and playground upgrades;
• Campus -wide improvements including relocation of maintenance facilities,
technology infrastructure, electrical and mechanical upgrades and replacements;
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507034212.1
■ Birch Boy site improvements and design; and
+ As funds permit, undertake other capital infrastructure improvements as deemed
necessary by the Board of the District subject to the further requirements of this
section, to enable District facilities to meet instructional program needs.
The cost of all necessary architectural, engineering, and other consulting services,
inspection and testing, administrative and relocation expenses, on and off -site utilities, site
acquisition, related improvements and other costs incurred in connection with the making of the
foregoing Improvements shall be deemed a part of the costs of the Improvements. Such
Improvements shall be complete with all necessary furniture, and equipment and appurtenances.
The District shall determine the application of available moneys so as to accomplish, as
nearly as may be, all of the Improvements described or provided for in this section. The District
shall determine the exact extent and specifications for construction of structures or other
improvements.
If the Board shall determine that it has become impractical to accomplish any of such
Improvements or portions thereof by reason of state or local circumstances, including changed
conditions, incompatible development or costs substantially in excess of those estimated, the
District shall not be required to accomplish such Improvements and may apply the Bond
proceeds or any portion thereof to other portions of the Improvements, to other capital
improvements, or to payment of principal of or interest on the Bonds, as the Board may
determine after holding a public hearing thereon pursuant to RCW 28A.530.020.
In the event that the proceeds of sale of the Bonds, plus any other moneys of the District
legally available, are insufficient to accomplish all of the Improvements provided by this section,
the District shall use the available funds for paying the cost of those Improvements for which the
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507034212.1
Bonds were approved deemed by the Board most necessary and in the best interest of the
District.
If available funds are insufficient from the proceeds of Bonds authorized for the above
purposes, and state or local circumstances require, the District shall use such funds to pay the
principal of or interest on the Bonds or acquire, construct, equip, modernize and make other
capital improvements to the facilities of the District, all as the Board of Directors may determine,
after holding a public hearing thereon pursuant to RCW 28A.530.020.
It is currently anticipated that the District will receive funds from the State of Washington
pursuant to Chapter 28A.525 RCW in an amount up to $6,802,395. Such funds are expected to
be used for the Improvements or shall be used to pay the principal of or interest on the Bonds
provided for herein or to make other capital improvements to the facilities of the District as the
Board may determine after holding a public hearing thereon pursuant to RCW 28A530.020.
Section 3. Authorization of Bonds. For the purpose of providing all or a part of the
funds necessary to pay the cost of the Improvements described in Section 2 hereof and/or to
reimburse the District for such costs to the extent that District funds have been used for such
purposes, together with incidental costs and costs related to the sale and issuance of the bonds,
the District shall issue and sell its unlimited tax general obligation bonds in the principal amount
of not to exceed $70,000,000. The balance of the cost of the Improvements shall be paid out of
any money which the District now has or may later have on hand which are legally available for
such purposes, including impact fees, and out of possible state or federal grants of money. None
of said bond proceeds shall be used for the replacement of equipment or for any other than a
capital purpose. Such bonds shall be issued in an amount not exceeding the amount approved by
the qualified electors of the District as required by the Constitution and laws of the State of
-4-
507034212.1
Washington or exceeding the amount permitted by the Constitution and laws of the State of
Washington.
Section 4. Details of Bonds. The bonds provided for in Section 3 hereof shall be sold
in such amounts and at such time or times as deemed necessary and advisable by this Board and
as permitted by law, shall bear interest at a rate or rates not to exceed the maximum rate
permitted by law at the time the bonds are sold, and shall mature in such amounts and at such
times within a maximum term of twenty-five (25) years from date of issue, but may mature at an
earlier date or dates, as authorized by this Board and as provided by law. Said bonds shall be
general obligations of the District and, unless paid from other sources, both principal thereof and
interest thereon (including original issue discount) shall be payable out of annual tax levies to be
made upon all the taxable property within the District without limitation as to rate or amount and
in excess of any constitutional or statutory tax limitations. The exact date, form, terms and
maturities of said bonds shall be as hereafter fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors. After
voter approval of the bond proposition and in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds, the
District may issue short term obligations as authorized and provided by Chapter 39.50 RCW.
The proceeds of such Bonds may be used to redeem and retire short term obligations or to
reimburse the District for expenditures previously made for such Improvements.
Section 5. Election. It is hereby found and declared that the best interests of the
District require the submission to the qualified electors of the District of the proposition of
whether the District shall issue the Bonds at a special election to be held on February 13, 2024.
The Whatcom County Auditor as ex officio supervisor of elections is hereby requested also to
call and conduct the special election to be held within the District and to submit to the qualified
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507034212.1
electors of the District the proposition set forth below. The Secretary of the Board is hereby
authorized and directed to certify the proposition to said officials in the following form:
PROPOSITION NO.2
BLAINE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 503
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS - $70,000,000
The Board of Directors of Blaine School District No. 503 adopted
Resolution No. 2324-02 approving a proposition for bonds. This
proposition authorizes the District to make improvements and
additions to Blaine Middle School, Pipeline Athletic Complex,
Point Roberts Primary School, Birch Bay site, and other capital
improvements; to issue $70,000,000 of general obligation bonds
maturing within a maximum of 25 years, and to collect excess
property taxes annually to repay the bonds, as provided in
Resolution No. 2324-02. Should this proposition be:
APPROVED........................................................................................... ❑
REJECTED............................................................................................. ❑
The Secretary of the Board of Directors is hereby authorized to deliver a certified copy of
this resolution to the Whatcom County Auditor.
Section 6. Notices relating to Ballot Title. For purposes of receiving notice of the
exact language of the ballot title required by RCW 29A.36.080, the Board hereby designates the
(a) the Executive Director of Finance & Operations, Amber Porter, telephone: 360-332-0713,
ext. 1713; email: aporter@blainesd.org, and (b) bond counsel, K&L Gates LLP (Cynthia Weed),
telephone: 206.370.7801; fax: 206.370.6201; email: cynthia.weed@klgates.com, as the
individuals to whom the Whatcom County Auditor shall provide such notice. The Secretary of
the Board is authorized to approve changes to the ballot title, if any, deemed necessary by the
Whatcom County Auditor or the Office of the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney.
Section 7. Voters' Pamphlet. Pursuant to RCW 29A.32, the Board of Directors
hereby confirms the District's participation in the local voters' pamphlet for the February 13,
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507034212.1
2024 election, which shall be prepared and published by the Whatcom County Auditor,
including, but not limited to, an explanatory statement reviewed and approved by the District's
attorney, and, if available, a Statement For and a Statement Against. The District understands
and agrees that it will be required to pay its proportionate share of the expenses of the voters'
pamphlet.
Section 8. Severability. In the event that any provision of this resolution shall be
held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect or invalidate any other provision of this
resolution or the Bonds, but they shall be construed and enforced as if such invalid provision had
not been contained herein;, provided, however, that any provision which shall for any reason be
held by reason of its extent to be invalid shall be deemed to be in effect to the extent permitted
by law.
-7-
507034212.1
Section 9. Effective Date. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon
its adoption.
ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of Blaine School District No. 503, Whatcom
County, Washington, at a regular meeting held this 25th day of September, 2023.
BLAINE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 503,
WHATCOM WUNTMASHINGTON
and
ATTTEST-
L.
. d�4kjL -
Secretary of the Board of Qirectors
507034212.1
S
CERTIFICATE
I, the undersigned, Secretary of the Board of Directors of Blaine School District No. 503,
Whatcom County, Washington (the "District"), and keeper of the records of the Board of
Directors (the "Board"), DO HEREBY CERTIFY:
1. That the attached resolution is a true and correct copy of Resolution No. 2324-02
of the Board (herein called the "Resolution"), duly adopted at a regular meeting thereof held on
the 25th day of September, 2023.
2. That said meeting was duly convened and held in all respects in accordance with
law, and to the extent required by law, due and proper notice of such meeting was given; that a
legal quorum was present throughout the meeting and a legally sufficient number of members of
the Board voted in the proper manner for the adoption of said Resolution; that all other
requirements and proceedings incident to the proper adoption of said Resolution have been duly
fulfilled, carried out and otherwise observed; and that I am authorized to execute this certificate.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of September,
2023.
Li.4L&4n,e,- -
Secretary of Aie Board of Directors
507034212.1
OFFICIAL BALLOT
BLAINE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 503
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
February 13, 2024
INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: To vote in favor of the following proposition, place a
cross (X) in the square opposite the word "APPROVED"; to vote against the following
proposition, place a cross (X) in the Square opposite the word "REJECTED."
PROPOSITION NO. 2
BLAINE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 503
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS - $70,000,000
The Board of Directors of Blaine School District No. 503 adopted
Resolution No. 2324-02 approving a proposition for bonds. This
proposition authorizes the District to make improvements and
additions to Blaine Middle School, Pipeline Athletic Complex,
Point Roberts Primary School, Birch Bay site, and other capital
improvements; to issue $70,000,000 of general obligation bonds
maturing within a maximum of 25 years, and to collect excess
property taxes annually to repay the bonds, as provided in
Resolution No. 2324-02. Should this proposition be:
APPROVED........................................................................................... ❑
REJECTED............................................................................................. ❑
507034212.1
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION
BLAINE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 503
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
February 13, 2024
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, a special election
will be held in the above -named school district for the submission to the qualified electors of said
school district of the following proposition:
PROPOSITION NO. 2
BLAINE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 503
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS - $70,000,000
The Board of Directors of Blaine School District No. 503 adopted
Resolution No. 2324-02 approving a proposition for bonds. This
proposition authorizes the District to make improvements and
additions to Blaine Middle School, Pipeline Athletic Complex,
Point Roberts Primary School, Birch Bay site, and other capital
improvements; to issue $70,000,000 of general obligation bonds
maturing within a maximum of 25 years, and to collect excess
property taxes annually to repay the bonds, as provided in
Resolution No. 2324-02. Should this proposition be:
APPROVED........................................................................................... ❑
REJECTED............................................................................................. ❑
Whatcom County Auditor
507034212.1
Election Date: February 13, 2024
Name of Jurisdiction Submitting Measure: Blaine School District No. 503, Whatcom County,
Washington
Contact Name: Cynthia Weed
Daytime Contact Phone Number:
Word Count -100
206-623-7580; cell phone: 206-618-6050
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT - PROPOSITION NO.2
The Board of Directors of Blaine School District No. 503 adopted Resolution No. 2324-
02 approving a proposition for bonds. This proposition authorizes the District to renovate and
modernize Blaine Middle School; field upgrades and additions to Pipeline Athletic Complex;
improvements to Point Roberts Primary School; improvements of maintenance facilities,
technology infrastructure, electrical and mechanical upgrades; Birch Bay site improvements; and
other capital infrastructure improvements to the facilities of the District, to issue $70,000,000 of
general obligation bonds maturing within a maximum of 25 years, and to collect excess property
taxes annually to repay the bonds, as provided in the Resolution.
5507031866.1