PPEL and Penny Tax Vote on the Ballot Nov. 7

Nov. 7, 2023 is an important day at the polls. In addition to selecting three New London Community School District board members, two important Public Measures are on the ballot. Both are school funding measures. By law, the entire text of the measure must be printed. They are long and detailed. Below are a few facts that may help one’s decision making or give one time to investigate questions they have before Election Day.

Public Measure JZ

The Physical Plant and Equipment Levy became law in the early 1900s. The purpose of the law was to provide school districts with additional means to fund maintenance of aging buildings and equipment. The list of uses for the levy is quite specific. The money may not be used for employee salaries, benefits, or travel; supplies; printing costs or media services or for any other purpose not expressly authorized by Iowa Code. A district may ask for approval of funds up to $1.34 per $1000 of assessed taxable property.

New London CSD voters approved the first PPEL in October of 1995. The Public Measure must be voted on every 10 years. New London voters reapproved the levy in 2005 and 2014. The Voters are being asked this year to RENEW the PPEL funding. The amount asked for remains at $0.67 per $1000 of assessed valuation of taxable property in the district. $0.67 is half the permissible amount.

Before the PPEL measure was passed, New London and most districts throughout the state decided what maintenance projects were of highest priority. It was difficult to keep up with regular maintenance and nearly impossible to do large projects without the passage of bond issues. Mr. Wahls provided a list of projects that are, or have been funded using PPEL moneys. Annual expenses include the licensing of instructional and non-instructional software. A five-year program which included replacement of equipment like copy machine purchase, classroom TVs, student Chromebook computers, staff computers, Internet Network purchases, Network switches, and wireless access points. It is a constant battle to keep the district’s technology up to date. One-time costs such as helping with the Elementary playground costs, exterior picnic tables and garbage cans, the Cafeteria ceiling replacement, Marquee district sign, district phone system, Fine Arts sound booth, gym floor refinishes, and a new auditorium roof name a few. Once these items are in place, there is normal maintenance to keep them in fine operating condition as well.

A member of the public asked what future uses of the PPEL funds are planned. At the moment, roof replacement, replacing the 12-passenger vans and an upgraded fire alarm system are on the list. Having the PPEL funds in place allows for the planning and scheduling of the projects in a logical manner. It is important that NLCSD be able to address its local needs in a sound, common-sense manner.

Public Measure KA

SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education) was formerly known as the statewide infrastructure sales and services tax. The funding source is a statewide penny sales tax which is then distributed to each school district on a per capita basis. The law is intended to offer school districts property tax relief for school infrastructure needs. “School infrastructure” means those activities for which a school district is authorized to contract indebtedness and issue general bonds. (Iowa Code 296.1)

During the 2019 legislative session, the SAVE statewide penny tax was extended through Jan. 1, 2051. To use these funds, each Iowa school district must have its voters approve a revised Revenue Purpose Statement. This Revenue Statement must align with the legislative changes. This is not a vote on the tax, but rather on how the District utilizes the funds generated by this statewide tax. On Nov. 7, New London Community School District voters will be asked to approve the 10-point Revenue Purpose Statement. The 10 points allow maximum flexibility as the Superintendent and Board plan to meet needs of the District. This measure does not raise taxes, it assures the proper uses for the sales tax dollars. A simple majority is required to pass the statement.

A short list of uses of the penny sales tax includes the following but it is not a complete list. At Clark Elementary 15 classrooms and 1 office were remodeled. The changes included HVAC, flooring, cabinetry, and paint. Clark also received new lockers for the fifth grade, new classroom furniture and new exterior steps at its entrance. New lockers were placed in the HS girls’ and boys’ locker rooms. Two new garage doors at the bus barn were installed. Penny sales tax funds used judiciously in the past reduced District debt. Early bond retirement saved the District roughly $150-200 thousand in bonded debt interest.

Future plans for the penny tax money include remodeling the old library in Clark for a third section of fifth grade for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond. Lighting will be replaced in the MS/HS main competition gym. MS/HS classrooms need updating. New cabinetry is planned as well as other improvements. Roof replacement will continue as needed.

It is critically important that both measures be approved. These two measures concentrate on infrastructure needs and modernization of the facilities. Providing a safe, comfortable, and visionary education for New London students is dependent upon a safe, comfortable physical environment. Additionally, the funds have allowed New London to stay abreast of the constantly changing and growing needs of technology.

Call Chad Wahls or Jessica Boyer at 319-367-0512 if you desire more information.

You may vote early at the Henry County Courthouse.

Public Voting Nov. 7, 2023 7 a.m. — 8 p.m.

New London Township at New London Community Center

Baltimore Township at New London Christian Church

If unsure, check with the Henry County Auditor’s office (319) 385-3632, press 3 on keypad, the Henry County Auditors (https://henrycounty.iowa.gov/auditor/) or the Iowa Secretary of State (https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/) to find your proper voting location.