Northwest Iowa — Voters in two northwest Iowa school districts have approved a bond issue in one district and to continue a levy in another.
Voters in the Boyden-Hull School District decided to support a $9.8 million bond issue by a margin of 426 to 269. That’s 61.29% yes, to 38.71% no. The bond issue needed a 60% supermajority to pass, and according to the unofficial results from the Sioux County Auditor’s office, it was approved. Results become official after they are canvassed by the County Board of Supervisors.
Doug Beukelman of Boyden is on the bond issue steering committee. He tells us improvements will be made at the high school in Hull in industrial technology, vocational agriculture, family and consumer sciences, fine arts, athletics, and education in general. The improvements will also include better security, improved accessibility, and learning environments that reflect the changing needs of students. New additions are planned for vo ag and instrumental music. The Boyden elementary will also receive some renovations, including those for increased security and accessibility of the building and a new preschool playground.
Meanwhile, voters in the George-Little Rock School District approved the continuance of a Physical Plant and Equipment Levy or PPEL by an even wider margin. Turnout was low, but the measure received 77.48% “yes” votes and 22.52% “no” votes. The raw vote totals were 86 yes to 25 no.
George-Little Rock business manager Cathy Bonestroo tells KIWA that the PPEL has been in place for a number of years, and was due for renewal. According to the ballot language, the PPEL is be authorized for another ten years at not more than a dollar and thirty-four cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. Plus, it will also reauthorize a PPEL income surtax of not more than six percent, determined by the George-Little Rock Board of Directors each year.
The revenue raised by the tax can be used for several uses, mostly related to buildings and grounds and transportation. Iowa Code says, however, that PPEL revenues may not be used for employee salaries or travel; supplies; printing costs or media services; or for any other purpose not expressly authorized by Iowa Code.
Again, the results become official after they are canvassed by the County Board of Supervisors.
