South Tama County Community School District residents will vote on a Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) on Tuesday, March 5.

PPEL is a voter-approved levy that generates funds for infrastructure and equipment repairs, purchases, and improvements. Per state law, funds can only be used for these purposes.

Of Iowa’s 331 public school districts, more than 85 percent have a voted PPEL in place in fiscal year 2024. South Tama County CSD does not.

With an approved voted PPEL, the district would use the funds generated to expand the grades 7-12 VocAg program, upgrade the high school cafeteria and gymnasium, make technology upgrades, and improve school safety. Funds would also go toward roof repairs and replacement, HVAC system maintenance and upgrades, and the replacement of school buses.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on election day. The polling locations are:

-Chelsea Fire Station (707 Station St.): District residents in Richland Township, Salt Creek Township, the city of Chelsea, York Township, the city of Vining, and parts of Sheridan and Jefferson.

-Montour Community Building (104 E. Elm St.): Voters in Highland Township, Indian Village Township, and the city of Montour.

-Tama Civic Center (305 Siegel St.): Voters in the city of Tama, Columbia Township, Tama Township, and South Otter Creek Township.

-Toledo Reinig Center (1007 S Prospect Drive): Voters in the city of Toledo, Crystal Township, Carroll Township, Howard Township, Toledo Township, and North Otter Creek Township.

-Meskwaki Tribal Center (349 Meskwaki Road, Tama): Voters who live in the Indian Settlement.

Voters will need to show a valid ID before casting their ballot.

Even with an approved voted PPEL of $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed value, South Tama County CSD will still be able to keep its overall tax levy rate relatively flat, increasing by an estimated .05 per $1000 of assessed value. This is possible through a mixture of income surtax with the PPEL and altering other levies. The district’s current overall tax rate is $14.45.

Additional information on the voted PPEL is available at www.southtamacountyppel.org.