Renewal of the South Tama Schools Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) failed in a vote to renew it for 10 years in the Sept. 10 regular school election by a vote of 150 – NO – 149 -YES.

A recount of the vote was conducted on Tuesday, Sept. 17, after a citizens request was filed.

The recount affirmed the previous total. Appointed to conduct the recount were Sandy Cooper, Bob Benda and Jeannie Paustian.

The vote by precinct was:

Tama –

YES- 51 NO- 52

Toledo-

YES-59 NO – 54

Chelsea-

YES – 17 NO – 18

Montour-

YES – 15 NO – 7

Meskwaki Settlement

YES – 5 NO – 4

Absentee

YES – 2 NO – 15

The levy, for $1.34 per $1,000 property tax valuation pays for school buildings, maintenance, school buses and other equipment purchases.

Following the initial report of the vote South Tama Superintendent Kerri Nelson told the News-Herald the school board would have to decide whether to call for a special PPEL election for a second consideration of the funding source.