Question 1

What is a voted PPEL?

Accepted Answer

A Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) is a voter-approved levy that generates funds school districts can use for infrastructure and equipment repairs, purchases, and improvements. This money can only be used for these specific purposes.

Voted PPEL measures must be approved by at least 50% of voters every 10 years.

Question 2

What happens if the voted PPEL is not renewed?

Accepted Answer

If the voted PPEL is not approved by at least 50% of voters, the district will need to spend money from its general fund to support facility and equipment needs, which could delay other projects or lead to potential budget cuts. This is significant, as the general fund is used to support employee wages and benefits, as well as curriculum and supplemental materials.

Question 3

What is the district’s voted PPEL rate?

Accepted Answer

West Delaware County CSD's voted PPEL currently has a rate of $0.67 per $1,000 of taxable property value. The measure on the September ballot would renew the levy at that same rate through 2036.

Question 4

How would a renewed PPEL affect property taxes?

Accepted Answer

A renewed PPEL on September 9 would maintain the existing levy rate, meaning it would not increase property taxes.

Question 5

How does West Delaware’s tax rate compare to other districts?

Accepted Answer

The West Delaware County CSD Board of Education and administration have a history of respecting the needs of local property taxpayers. The district's Fiscal Year 2026 property tax rate of $13.67 per $1,000 of taxable value is the fourth-lowest in the WaMaC Conference.

WDCCSD's property tax rate is also lower than neighboring Monticello ($15.86), Anamosa ($14.97), Edgewood-Colesburg ($14.90), and Western Dubuque ($13.92).

Question 6

When is election day?

Accepted Answer

Voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Question 7

Do I need an ID to vote?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a valid ID is necessary to cast a ballot.

Question 8

What is the exact question that will appear on the ballot?

Accepted Answer

Voters who reside in the West Delaware County Community School District will see the following question on their ballots:

Shall the Board of Directors of the West Delaware County Community School District, in the Counties of Delaware and Buchanan, State of Iowa, for the purpose of purchasing and improving grounds; constructing schoolhouses or buildings and opening roads to schoolhouses or buildings; purchasing of buildings; purchase, lease or lease-purchase of technology and equipment; paying debts contracted for the erection or construction of schoolhouses or buildings, not including interest on bonds; procuring or acquisition of libraries; repairing, remodeling, reconstructing, improving, or expanding the schoolhouses or buildings and additions to existing schoolhouses; expenditures for energy conservation; renting facilities under Iowa Code Chapter 28E; purchasing transportation equipment for transporting students; lease purchase option agreements for school buildings or equipment; purchasing equipment authorized by law; or for any purpose or purposes now or hereafter authorized by law, be authorized for a period of ten (10) years, to levy annually, a voter-approved physical plant and equipment property tax not to exceed Sixty-Seven Cents ($.67) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) of the assessed valuation of the taxable property within the school district commencing with the levy for collection in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, or each year thereafter?

West Delaware County CSD

VOTED PPEL

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS