The city councils of Covington and Maple Valley each passed resolutions at their respective council meetings this week expressing support for the school levies in each city’s area.

At the Tuesday Covington City Council meeting the members unanimously passed a resolution supporting both the Kent School District’s programs and operations levy, Proposition No. 1 and the technology levy, Proposition No. 2.

The levies are on the Feb. 9 special election ballot, which is mail only and ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 9.

The Covington City Council also unanimously passed a resolution supporting the King County Library Systems Proposition No. 1 operations and maintenance levy. It was noted at the meeting the library system had become even more essential as a gathering place in the current economy.

The Maple Valley City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting the Tahoma School District’s Proposition No. 1, a programs and operations levy and Proposition No. 2, the technology levy.

The council passed the resolution following a public hearing.

Both councils pointed out the importance of the operations levy for the school districts to provide a high level of education to students.

Members from each city also noted how important technology and computer systems are for education.

The school district and library levies are replacing expiring levies meaning that if passed, they would continue existing taxes.

• King County Fire District No. 43, Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety, has a measure on the Feb. 9 ballot, Proposition No. 1, asking voters to decide if the board of commissioners should be increased to five members. It is currently a three member board.

Expanding the board would allow two members to meet without making up a quorum. Interim Fire Chief Brad Doerflinger stated with the increase in population in the area served by the district, expanding the commission to five members would give better representation to its residents.

If voters approve Proposition No. 1 the board will set up a process to select the two commissioners. One of the commissioners will serve a two year term and one a four year term before running for election.