Capital projects fund going to Cedar Rapids schools voters in September

CEDAR RAPIDS — Renewing a property tax levy for a capital projects fund that finances school improvement projects will go before Cedar Rapids school district voters Sept. 10 in a special election.

The Physical Plant and Equipment Levy fund makes possible dozens of projects each year at every school building in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, but needs to be reauthorized by voters every 10 years. Monday, the Cedar Rapids school board voted to approve a resolution to put the levy on the ballot this fall.

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The question will ask voters to consider approving the maximum PPEL of $1.34 for every $1,000 of assessed property valuation. If the levy is renewed, it would not increase the district’s property tax levy rate for schools — the levy would simply continue. It requires a simple majority to pass.

Beginning July 1, the tax rate for homeowners in the Cedar Rapids school district — which includes the current PPEL — will be $13.90 per $1,000 of taxable valuation, a decrease of about 83 cents from the current rate. For a homeowner in the district with a $200,000 home, the tax bill for schools would be $1,288 per year, or $107.33 a month.

“We have the lowest tax rate in the county“ compared with other school districts, school board President Cindy Garlock said. ”I think we are very proud that we can deliver a high-quality education and be resourceful of our finances. If we renew PPEL, it does not create a tax increase. It keeps your taxes as they are.“

In the next 10 years, this fund — if approved by voters — is estimated to bring in almost $146 million in revenue to the district. About $19 million would be spent on transportation costs, $86 million would be spent on yearly projects and $30 million would be spent on new college and career pathways and academies at Kennedy, Jefferson and Washington high schools.

The yearly projects include routine maintenance, but the bigger expense is for unexpected repairs to buildings. Other large annual expenses include improvements for safety and security, door and window repairs and replacements, roof replacements, concrete repair and replacement, upgrades to schools’ heating and cooling system and playground repairs.

If voters do not approve extending the levy, the school board itself can levy 33 cents for every $1,000 of assessed valuation without voter approval.

Before 2014, the voter-supported PPEL remained at 34 cents, combined with the 33 cents levied by the board. Combined, that generated only about $4 million a year

The proposal going before voters calls for a rate of $1.34, total.

There are no other items yet on the ballot for Sept. 10 in Linn County. School boards must approve a resolution and notify the Linn County Auditor’s Office at least 46 days before a special election, which in this case is 5 p.m. July 26.

Comments: (319) 398-8411; grace.king@thegazette.com