Our community school district is inviting you to make an impact on behalf of our Lisbon students. We hope that you will join others in our community who intend to head to the polls in support of PPEL–an important funding stream for our schools that must be voted on every 10 years. The good news is that renewing this levy WILL NOT increase your property taxes.
On Tuesday, March 4, our community is being asked to consider renewing the Lisbon School District’s voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL). Like many other districts across the state, the PPEL levy has been an important revenue source for many years.
Over the past decade, we have been fortunate to lean on PPEL to preserve our district’s assets and infrastructure so that our students are able to thrive in a high-quality learning environment…And we thank you, our local community, for making that happen.
What is PPEL?
By law, PPEL allocations can only be used for infrastructure and equipment repairs, special purchases, and improvements. These funds have allowed us to address critical needs, such as HVAC systems, roof repairs, purchasing computers for students, larger routine maintenance items, and the gradual replacement of our school’s transportation fleet.
The district is asking our voters to renew the voted PPEL at the same rate it has been since 2016, which is $0.67 per $1,000 of taxable property value. A voted PPEL is common statewide, as more than 83% of school districts have this levy in place.
Allowable Expenditures from the PPEL Fund:
Section 298.3 https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ code/2022/298.3.pdf covers the allowable expenditures. Generally, they include the following:
● Purchase and improvement of grounds
● Improvement of property
● Construction of schools, buildings and roads
● Purchase or lease purchase of equipment and technology exceeding $500 per transaction (each transaction may include multiple equipment or technology units)
● Payment of debt for schools or buildings
● Procuring or acquiring library facilities
● Repairing, remodeling, expanding, and reconstructing of existing facilities
● Expenditures for energy conservation
● Rental of facilities under 28E
● Purchase of transportation equipment for transporting students
● Purchase or lease purchase of buildings
● Equipment for recreational purposes
Prohibited Uses from the PPEL Fund:
● School district employee salaries or travel expenses
● Supplies
● Printing costs or media services
● Any other purpose not expressly authorized in this section
What impact does an approved PPEL vote have on me, my family, and my community?
PPEL is a great way to show your support for your local school district and help to preserve and strengthen its infrastructure for future generations. Over the past several years, the Physical Plant Equipment Levy has been used by the Lisbon CSD for the following projects and needs:
● General and comprehensive maintenance repairs
● Maintaining our HVAC systems
● School security improvements
● Technology purchases
● Transportation and equipment purchases
● Additional key facilities projects
Many people are curious about how this vote could potentially impact their personal finances. The great news is that a renewable vote WILL NOT raise property taxes. Voting to renew simply maintains the current rate. It is a great opportunity to extend our legacy and create conditions that continue our positive reputation for a high quality campus and school environment.
When should I head out to vote?
A special day of voting will be held Tuesday, March 4, and the polls will be open that day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please mark your calendars and encourage your neighbors!
Polling sites:
● Linn, Jones, and Johnson County voters @ Lisbon City Hall (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
● Cedar County voters @ Mechanicsville Memorial Building (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Thank you for your consideration. We hope that you will join so many others who will show their Lion Pride March 4—our school community is worth the investment.
Edit: An incorrect levy rate was posted for the PPEL in this column in print. The correct levy rate is $0.67 per $1,000. The Sun apologizes for the error.