S-O Physical Plant and Equipment Levy is up for consideration

Osceola County residents will vote Tuesday on the Sibley-Ocheyedan Community School District Physical Plant and Equipment Levy.

This levy, which was approved by voters for the first time in September 2015, provides "maintenance" funding to repair roofs, playgrounds and sidewalks; remove asbestos; purchase equipment such as school buses and music instruments; support classroom technology and more, according to the school district.

The maximum length of the levy is 10 years. The district states that the current levy would generate approximately $275,000 annually for the 10-year period. After 10 years, the district may ask voters to approve it again. The new proposed levy would be able to generate up to approximately $550,000 annually.

Iowa law allows for a maximum of $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable valuation for PPELs. Previously, the Sibley-Ocheyedan school board had asked the voters to approve 67 cents per $1,000 of taxable valuation. The board has decided to now ask the voters for the full $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable valuation.

Of the 325 Iowa school districts, 281 utilize a voted PPEL. Polls will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.