MFL MarMac PPEL vote is April 2
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times
On Tuesday, April 2, voters in the MFL MarMac School District will be asked if they would like to continue the district’s physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL). Polls for this special election will be open from noon to 8 p.m. at the Monona Community Center and Marquette Community Center.
Superintendent Dale Crozier said the levy is simply a continuation of an existing revenue source the district has had for the past 16 years.
“We’re not adding anything,” he stressed.
The levy consists of a combination of property tax on all the taxable property in the district, as well as a physical plant and equipment income surtax upon the state individual income tax of each individual income taxpayer resident in the district. According to a resolution adopted by the MFL MarMac school board earlier this year, the percent of income surtax would not exceed 4 percent. Taxation would not exceed $1.34 per $1,000 of assessed property value in any one tax year.
If approved by voters, the levy would commence in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 and be authorized annually for up to 10 years.
“We’re trying to get it done now so we can project all our needs into the future,” Crozier said.
Crozier described PPEL as the district’s “bread and butter,” its “foundation.”
Over the years, PPEL funding has helped complete upgrades to everything from roofs, classrooms and boilers to buses and technology and accounting systems.
Without it, said Crozier, “we wouldn’t have the modernization we’re able to have.”
Moving forward, MFL MarMac will use PPEL funds to expand the elementary school bathrooms and enhance the elementary front entrance and circle drive, where parents drop their kids off. Crozier said these updates will also improve overall safety and security at the school.
In addition, funds would go toward projects like LED lighting upgrades and roof replacements, along with school safety measures like door locks and other locking and security systems.
Down the road, should the district—with voter approval—wish to proceed with plans to construct a new athletic facility, PPEL funds would enhance the ability to build, Crozier said.
“It is a constant process,” he noted, “but the PPEL funds allow us to maintain older facilities, which we have been able to convert into modern use. The plan is to continue this exact process, which has been working for us.”
If the vote passes, Crozier said “it will be huge for the district. It’s important for the long-term continuation of programs,” and keeps the district from dipping into other funds for maintenance.
