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Clayton Ridge School District seeks renewal of PPEL levy in September vote
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The Clayton Ridge School is proposing the renewal of the district's Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (PPEL), which will go to a vote at a special election on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

The vote is whether or not to renew the existing PPEL levy rate, which is a property tax levy up to $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable property for up to 10 years. The district says approval will not cause an increase in the PPEL levy.

Clayton Ridge's PPEL expires on June 30, 2027. If voters approve a renewal, the levy would take effect on July 1, 2027, and continue for 10 years.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting locations are at the Guttenberg Municipal Building (502 First Street) and the Garnavillo Community Building (106 West Niagara Street).

Voters from Guttenberg, North Buena Vista, Osterdock, Jefferson, Millville, Mallory and Volga are to use the Guttenberg building to cast their vote.

Voters from Clayton, Garnavillo, Farmersburg and Read are directed to use the Garnavillo location for the special election.

Clayton Ridge's current total tax rate (otherwise known as the "mil rate") is approximately $11.10 per $1,000 of taxable property. According to the district, the five-year average has been around $11.43.

Funds accrued through the PPEL can only be used for specific expenditures, such as new construction and renovation projects, transportation equipment, facility maintenance and improvements and energy conservation projects.

According to a release from the district, Clayton Ridge has used PPEL funding to purchase school buses and new technology and complete roofing repairs, among other needs.

The release says without PPEL funding, many of these expenses would've come from the district's General Fund, which is used for the day-to-day operating expenses, including staff compensation, education programs and student services.

As part of its justification for the PPEL's renewal, Clayton Ridge says it's developing a five-year strategic plan and working with a third party on a comprehensive facilities assessment.

"This work will help us better understand the improvements, maintenance, infrastructural needs and potential future expansions necessary to provide the best possible educational environment," the release says.