What is the Voter Approved Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (PPEL)?

On September 20, 2023, the Clear Creek Amana Board of Education voted to order an election for the continuation of the voter-approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL). On November 7, 2023, eligible voters living within the Clear Creek Amana Community School District (CCACSD) boundaries will have an opportunity to vote on the renewal of the PPEL. 

PPEL is a primary revenue source for funding school infrastructure and improvements and equipment purchases.  PPEL can be used to enhance school safety and security, construction or renovation of buildings, purchase of technology equipment and musical instruments, equipment over $500 in value, and energy conservation expenditures.  

The current PPEL levy has been in place since 2005 and must be renewed by a public vote every 10 years. The current authorization expires June 2025.  Voters will be asked to consider the renewal of the voter-approved PPEL at the same rate of $.67 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

Ballot language for PPEL:

Clear Creek Amana Community School District - Physical Plant and Equipment Levy and Income Surtax

Public Measure MG (50% required)

Shall the Board of Directors of the Clear Creek Amana Community School District, in the Counties of Iowa and Johnson, 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 or 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 purposes now or hereafter authorized by law, be authorized for a period of ten (10) years to levy and impose a voter approved physical plant and equipment tax of not exceeding Sixty-Seven Cents ($0.67) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) of assessed valuation of the taxable property within the school district, and be authorized annually, in combination, as determined by the board, to levy a physical plant and equipment property tax upon all the taxable property within the school district commencing with the levy of property taxes for collection in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and to impose a physical plant and equipment income surtax upon the state individual income tax of each individual income taxpayer resident in the school district on December 31 for each calendar year commencing with calendar year 2025, or each year thereafter?

Will my taxes go up?

No. The current voted PPEL levy has been in place at $.67 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation since 2005 so this will maintain the current tax rate. The rate collected is one-half the maximum rate allowed ($1.34 per $1,000 assessed property valuation) for the voter approved levy allowed by law. Revenues are generated by a mix of income and property taxes determined annually by the certified budget. Renewing the PPEL will NOT increase the property tax rate. 

• The current levy generates about $1.2 million per year.

What has PPEL funded?

PPEL funded projects include but are not limited to the following:

• Shot put and discus field relocation

• Buses, vans and other vehicles

• Energy efficiency initiatives

• Maintenance vehicles and equipment

• Roof replacement

• Band instruments

• Baseball field improvements

• Furniture replacement

• Kitchen equipment replacement

• Wrestling mats

• Parking lots, sidewalks and road resurfacing

• Field turf replacement

• Heating and cooling repairs and replacement

• Radio system for safety and security

• Security cameras and safety devices

• Safety entrance upgrades

• Equipment over $500

• Replacement and renovation of buildings such as carpet, paint, etc.

• Technology (student and staff computers, iPads, etc.)

• New phone system

Future PPEL funded projects include but are not limited to the following:

More band equipment
Maintenance and Ground Equipment
Continued safety/security enhancements/updates
Buses and vans for transportation
Repairs and upgrade to the press box at the High School
Middle School football/Soccer/Track Complex upgrades
Greenhouse for Agriculture
Amana Elementary window replacements
Clear Creek Elementary hallways and locker upgrades
Roof projects
North Bend Elementary exterior brick replacements
Furniture for classrooms

What if PPEL is not approved?

Projects, security, and maintenance that would have been funded by the PPEL would still need to happen so the majority of money would need to come from the General Fund which is the same fund we utilize for salaries and benefits. Reducing the General Fund could lead to a reduction in staff and/or a reduction in curriculum and/or programming.