MORROW COUNTY, Ore.-Corporate payments from Amazon and Lamb Weston are expected to reduce school bond tax rates for Morrow County residents.
The Morrow County School District Board announced the payments of more than $3.6 million toward the school bond that voters approved in 2025 at its December meeting.
“These additional payments are a direct result of careful planning and strong partnerships between local governments and businesses for the best interest of our students,” said Matt Combe, Superintendent of the Morrow County School District.
The payments are required under the companies’ Strategic Investment Program (SIP) and Enterprise Zone (EZ) agreements and reflect the commitment of Morrow County and the Columbia River Enterprise Zone Board to reduce the cost of bonds for taxpayers, according to a press release on the payments.
Under SIP and EZ agreements, Amazon, Lamb Weston, and other companies operating in the SIP and EZ agree to annual payments toward approved bond levies that are passed while they are exempt from standard tax payments.
“The payments significantly reduce the cost of the bond for residents while allowing us to deliver the school improvements voters approved,” said Superintendent Combe. “We’re grateful to have this support from Morrow County, Port of Morrow, and residents as we begin the design process.”
The funds received by the Morrow County School District this year will be reflected in 2026 property tax calculations, resulting in a reduced bond tax rate for residents. According to the district, the rate is projected to decrease year over year as more projects are completed in the EZ.
The bond measure, approved by voters in 2025, will fund projects throughout the Morrow County School District, including safety and security improvements at all elementary schools in the district, as well as new and remodeled learning spaces.
More information about the Morrow County School District’s 2025 bond projects and oversight is available online.
