The Board of Education approved placing the physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL) on the ballot for a December 6 special election; a simple majority is needed to pass.
Important Information to Know:
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Renewing the PPEL will not increase property taxes
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It is a continuation of the levy that has been in place for the past 60 years, since March 1950
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Takes a simple majority to pass (50%)
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Vote date is Tuesday, December 6, 2016, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Vote at school polling location
What is the Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (PPEL)?
The Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) is a voter-approved levy that serves as one of the primary revenue sources for funding school infrastructure and equipment repairs, purchases and improvements.
How does the passage of the PPEL affect me?
Renewal of this levy will not increase your property taxes. The district is asking for approval to continue the voter-approved rate that has been in effect for the past 66 years so that we may continue to use the funding in our maintenance, student learning and facility upgrades plan.
Can the PPEL funds be used within the district's general fund?
No, the PPEL revenues cannot be used for salaries, textbooks, or new educational programs. The requirements for the use of the PPEL funds are very specific and limited to maintenance, renovations/construction, technology, and equipment.
What are some examples of how the PPEL has been used?
PPEL funds have been used for the District's technology plan, which provides technology to all students. I has also been used for building maintenance such as masonry repairs, concrete and asphalt repairs and replacements, energy conservation improvements, as well as, maintaining and improving school grounds and purchasing school transportation vehicles like buses and vans.
What is the difference between the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) and the State One Cent Sales and Service Tax Program?
For Cedar Falls Community School District, PPEL funds are used for maintenance, vehicle and technology purchases; and the State One Cent Sales Tax is used for facility improvements.
How many school districts in Iowa have a PPEL?
Currently 244 out of 338, or over 72%, of school districts in Iowa have a voted PPEL in place.
How can PPEL be used?
State law includes detailed parameters regarding how PPEL funds may be used by a school district. Per the Iowa Department of Education website, the PPEL may be used for the following purposes:
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Repairing, remodeling, reconstructing, improving, or expanding the schoolhouses or buildings and additions to existing schoolhouses.
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Purchase and improvement of grounds.
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Purchase, lease, or lease-purchase of equipment or technology exceeding $500 per transaction.
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Payment of debts contracted for the erection or construction of schoolhouses or buildings, not including interest on bonds.
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Purchase of transportation equipment for transporting students.
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Procuring or acquisition of library facilities.
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Expenditures for energy conservation.
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Rental of facilities.
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Purchase or lease-purchase of school buildings.
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Equipment purchases for recreational purposes.
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Payments to a municipality or other entity as required under section 403.19, subsection 2 [TIF].
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Demolition, clean-up and other costs incurred within two years of a natural disaster.
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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.
Why a special election?
State law requires a vote on whether to renew this levy every 10 years.
Who can vote?
Any registered voter, 18 years old or older, a resident of the Cedar Falls School District, can vote.
If PPEL is renewed:
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Tax rate will not increase due to passage
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Facilities can be repaired and sustained as issues arise
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Funding is available for District Technology Plan
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Ability to equip school facilities with additional security equipment
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Ability to use PPEL to respond to emergencies when needed
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Ability to make timely safety, security and comfort improvements; all of which impact student learning
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Well maintained school buildings, athletic facilities, and grounds are an essential part of our school community.
If the PPEL is not renewed:
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Deferred repairs on schools facilities
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Student computer purchases placed on hold due to lack of funds
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Any emergency repairs would put strain on the district budget
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Decreased ability to make timely safety and security improvements
