By Chris Thew
Chronicle staff

     PATEROS - Voters appear to be behind Proposition 1, which will provide health and safety improvements for Pateros School.
     The measure appeared to be passing, 275-140, after the first count March 10, according to the Okanogan County Auditor's Office Web site.
     A simple majority is required for passage of the proposition. In unofficial returns, 66.3 percent of voters are in favor of passage.
     If the proposition passes, it would provide for a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, communication equipment, upgraded lighting, windows, flooring, fire alarm, security, kitchen and water systems, Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility improvements and renovations to the transportation building, according to the proposition.
     Up to $1,397,550 of general obligation bonds would be issued to pay for the project. Those bonds would mature in 15 years.
     The total cost of the project is estimated at $1.46 million, including $62,459 of incentives from the Okanogan County Public Utility District.
     Lower utility costs from some of the improvements are expected to save the district about $24,000 each year, school officials said.
     Property owners in the district will pay 79 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. Taxes on property valued at $100,000 would increase by $79 per year, according to the proposition.
     Election results will be certified March 25, according to the Okanogan County Auditor's Office Web site.