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The Marshalltown Community School District relies on funds from a voter-approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) to address many facility and equipment needs.​

 

This is common in Iowa, as more than 83% of school districts have a voted PPEL in place today. This levy generates funds a school district can use for infrastructure and equipment repairs, purchases, and improvements and must be renewed every decade.

  

On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, MCSD voters will consider approving the district's PPEL. If the measure passes, the voted PPEL will be in place through 2035 at a rate of $1.34 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The district's current voted PPEL of $0.67 will sunset in June 2025 without voter approval.

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The district is positioned financially to increase the voted PPEL levy without raising the district’s overall tax levy of $15.99 per $1,000 of taxable property value as part of a continued effort to respect the needs of the district’s property taxpayers. The overall tax rate peaked at $18.35 in 2021 and has declined ever since.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a voted PPEL?

A PPEL is a voter-approved levy that generates funds a school district can use for infrastructure and equipment repairs, purchases and improvements. Funds may be used only for these purposes. 

If voters approve the PPEL, how would the district use this money?

Should Marshalltown Community School District residents approve the voted PPEL on March 5, the district would continue to use the funds for a variety of needs, including:

  • Roof repairs and replacement

  • Ongoing HVAC system maintenance

  • School security and safety enhancements

  • Technology infrastructure and equipment purchases

  • Vehicle replacement, including school buses

MCSD strives to provide our students the education experience and environment they need to be prepared for college and careers. Funds provided by the district's voted PPEL play a key role in making that possible.

 

What would happen if the PPEL is not approved?

If the PPEL is not approved by our voters, MCSD would need to spend money from the general fund to support its facility and equipment needs, which could lead to budget and staffing reductions. This is significant as the general fund is used to support employee wages and benefits, as well as curriculum, and supplemental materials.

What is the district’s current PPEL rate?

The current PPEL rate is $0.67 per $1,000 of assessed property value and scheduled to sunset in June 2025. The rate would increase to $1.34 if the voted PPEL is approved by voters on March 5. However, MCSD would make financial adjustments to prevent the district's overall tax rate of $15.99 per $1,000 of assessed property value from also increasing.

 

How would an approved PPEL affect property taxes?

An increased PPEL would not raise the district's present overall tax rate of $15.99 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The total rate has steadily declined since 2021 when it peaked at $18.35. 

 

When is election day?

The election is Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Voters will need to show a valid ID before casting their ballot. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day.

 

Where can I vote on March 5?

Voters may cast their ballots at their regular polling location on Tuesday, March 5. Polling location information is available here: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections.

Polling locations include:

  • Marshalltown Public Library: Marshalltown city residents within Ward 1 and Ward 2.

  • Redeemer Lutheran Church: Marshalltown city residents within Ward 3 and Ward 4.

  • Albion Fire Station: MCSD residents within Marietta, Bangor, Liscomb and Taylor Townships.

  • Legrand Community Building: MCSD residents within Green Castle, LeGrand, and Marion Townships.

  • Laurel City Hall: MCSD residents within Logan, Washington, Jefferson, and Timber Creek Townships in Marshall County.

Do I need an ID to vote?

Yes. A valid ID is necessary in order to cast a ballot.

Can I cast an absentee ballot in this election?

Yes. Registered voters may request a mailed absentee ballot ahead of election day by contacting their County Auditor's Office. The deadline to request a mailed ballot is Monday, February 19. Ballots must be received by the auditor’s office before the polls close at 8 p.m. on election day to be considered for counting.

 

In-person absentee voting begins on Wednesday, February 14, and can be completed at the Marshall County Auditor’s Office on the third floor of the Marshall County Courthouse during regular business hours until Monday, March 4.

Please use the form below to submit any questions or feedback you may have.

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