Voters in the West Delaware School District approved a 20 million dollar bond issue on Tuesday.
The vote was 752 in favor, or 67.6%, and 361 opposed, or 23.4%. The measure needed 60% in order to pass.
The money will be used for improvement to the high school, middle school, and Lambert Elementary buildings. The tax levy will increase the median property tax by less than 5 dollars per month.
In the Western Dubuque School District, voters overwhelmingly approved the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy by nearly 80 percent. The unofficial tally was 625 to 157.
The Western Dubuque School District is also holding a special election today.
Voters are being asked to approve a Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL). The levy has been in existence in the district since 2012 – and if it passes, it’ll mean a continuation of the PPEL funds for the district.
Western Dubuque Superintendent Rick Colpitts says PPEL funds can be used to purchase new school buses, repairing roofs and making other building repairs, purchasing computers and investing in cameras and security equipment.
If passed, the proposed PPEL levy rate will stay the same at one dollar per every thousand dollars of assessed valuation. If it does not pass, the district will need to spend general fund dollars on those kinds of purchases and repairs – which means less money to support student instruction and achievement.