Why the VPPEL Vote is Important
What is the VPPEL?
VPPEL stands for Voter-Approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy. PPEL provides the necessary funds to maintain and improve school buildings, complete site improvements, purchase transportation vehicles, and purchase new technologies and school equipment. PPEL is an annual property tax levy. It is not a bond issue. The VPPEL can only be approved for a term of 10 years.
PCM has had the voter-approved levy in place since before 1999. PCM voters last renewed our PPEL in 2015 for a ten-year period (FY2016 - FY2026), with over 93 percent approval. The district requires 50% of the vote plus 1 for each measure (Amend and Renew) to be approved.
When did the school district last have the VPPEL vote and what did they use it for?
The PCM school district currently has a VPPEL in place and has had a VPPEL in place for over the past 25 years. The current VPPEL was approved in 2016 and will be in place until 2026. The school district uses the funds for school building improvements, technology, and transportation expenses.
Why is the school board asking to amend the VPPEL now?
We are currently unable to keep up with deferred maintenance and repairs, changes in technology, and upgrading our transportation fleet due to rising costs. Our first priority is to add another bus route and the purchase of a bus is needed to accomplish this. The revenue from the VPPEL will be used for these purposes.
What will the funding be used for?
Buildings, Buses, and Technology!!! Our school facilities are very nice but they are aging. Our enrollment has increased and we are becoming more and more limited in our classroom space. Improvements are needed for safety and security as well as renovations for some of our classrooms, heating and cooling systems, purchasing new technologies, and school buses. Also, cyber-security is a very real issue and to fully protect our students and records will be a significant expense for the district that just can’t be put off.
When parents move into our school district, they are typically well aware of the ongoing improvements and newer-more-contemporary school buildings and facilities in the surrounding school districts. We are often asked by parents and students about our timeline for improving our facilities and bringing them “up to date” as other schools have done. It is critical that the PCM Community School District continues to improve, challenge itself to be better, make upgrades, and ensure we are providing our students state-of-the-art, modern facilities.
What is the levy amount?
Currently, the PPEL is limited to $0.67 of $1000 of taxable property valuation. If the amendment is approved the VPPEL will increase $0.67 to the maximum levy rate of $1.34 for the remainder of the term of the levy (FY2026). This increase will be offset by reducing the management levy from $1.79 to $1.19. This will ensure that taxpayers do not see an increase in the over-tax rate of 14.66.
The renewal measure will be asking voters to allow the board to continue to have the option of levying up to $1.34 annually as needed for these building, transportation, and technology expenses for a ten-year term commencing in July of 2027.
How will this impact my property taxes?
Please refer to the “Summary Tax Impact” information shown below.
The PCM School Board has a goal to maintain an overall tax levy below $16.00/1000 of valuation. Currently, the overall tax levy is $14.66. This is the lowest it has been since 2017. Approval of BOTH of these measures, will not result in an increase in the overall tax levy of $14.66. Below you will see the overall tax levy for the past 7 years.
How many other schools across the state of Iowa have the VPPEL?
The vast majority of school districts in the State of Iowa have a voter-approved PPEL. Over 84% of Iowa school districts currently use VPPEL funds, and of those schools, 51% have a VPPEL rate that is higher than PCM's rate of $0.67.
What can the levy be used for?
The VPPEL can be used for facility improvements, technology, transportation, and other capital improvements. The VPPEL cannot be used for salaries, educational program materials, or curriculum.
Where do I go to vote?
Three Polling Locations:
- Monroe City Hall (including Reasnor voters) 206 W. Sherman Monroe, IA
- Prairie City Community Building 503 S. State St. Prairie City, IA
- Otley Reformed Church 700 Johnston St, Otley, IA
Is an absentee ballot available?
Absentee voting begins February 15 and continues until March 6 at your county's Auditor’s office. Mailed ballot requests must be made by 5:00 p.m. on February 20. After that, all absentee voting will occur at the Auditor’s office.
Summary of Tax Impact
VPPEL Sample Ballot
