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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
North Linn, Central City schools pass ballot measures to support infrastructure
Voters in North Linn say ‘yes’ to PPEL, Central City voters say ‘yes’ to new Revenue Purpose Statement
Sep. 10, 2024 10:51 pm, Updated: Sep. 11, 2024 1:42 pm
Voters in the North Linn Community School District said “yes” to a property tax levy Tuesday that helps the district purchase school buses and technology and maintain buildings.
In the neighboring Central City Community School District, voters said “yes” to a Revenue Purpose Statement, a ballot measure that broadly outlines how a school district will use proceeds from the existing sales tax fund Secure an Advanced Vision for Education.
Leisa Breitfelder — shared superintendent for North Linn and Central City schools — said she is “grateful” to the communities for their support.
“I’m very grateful our students are going to be able to receive the high quality education and technology services they deserve in buildings that are well maintained,” Breitfelder said. “Somebody had asked me if I was hopeful it would pass. I’m always hopeful voters are putting the best interest of students first, and you can tell they did this evening.”
The Physical Plant and Equipment Levy — or PPEL — must be renewed by district voters every 10 years. It can be used for the purchase and improvement of grounds; purchase, construction and remodeling of buildings; major equipment purchases, including technology; and rental of land and equipment.
The North Linn Community School District’s PPEL was renewed by voters in the district at the maximum rate of $1.34 for every $1,000 of assessed valuation. The fund brings in about $365,000 annually for the district of about 530 students.
The levy will not increase the property tax levy rate for the schools — the levy will simply continue. The district’s current levy rate is $14.10.
The measure passed with 77 percent of the vote, and about 175 ballots were cast, according to unofficial results.
The Central City school district’s Revenue Purposes Statement outlines ways SAVE funds can be spent. This includes providing funds for:
- Building and furnishing a new school building or buildings;
- Building or furnishing additions to and remodeling, reconstructing, repairing and improving school buildings in the district;
- Purchasing and improving grounds;
- Furnishing and equipping district facilities;
- Leasing or lease-purchasing of buildings, equipment, including transportation and recreation equipment or technology;
- Demolition, cleanup and other costs necessitated by and incurred within two years of a disaster;
- And radon testing and mitigation.
There are about 450 students in the Central City school district.
The measure passed with 88 percent of the vote, and a total of 94 ballots were cast.
Comments: (319) 398-8411; grace.king@thegazette.com
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