FAIRFIELD, IA — Fairfield Community School District residents are now able to cast a ballot in person ahead of the district’s special election on March 5.
Registered voters may cast an absentee ballot in person from February 14 to March 4 at the Jefferson County Auditor’s Office, located on the main floor of the Jefferson County Courthouse at 51 W. Briggs Avenue in Fairfield. This can be done Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
On the ballot is the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) for FCSD, which provides the district with funds that can only be used for infrastructure and equipment repairs, purchases, and improvements. This levy must be renewed every 10 years.
FCSD has previously used PPEL funds to address a variety of needs, including roof repairs and replacements, school security and safety improvements, technology purchases, classroom furniture and fixtures, and school bus replacement, among other projects. More information can be found at https://www.fairfieldppel.org.
“The revenue our school district receives from its voted PPEL is an important part of our budget and allows FCSD to address a variety of issues,” Interim Superintendent Stephanie Mishler said.
Voters also have the option of obtaining a mailed absentee ballot from the County Auditor’s Office by completing a request form. The final day to request a mailed ballot is Monday, February 19, at 5 p.m. Ballots must be received by the County Auditor’s Office before the polls close at 8 p.m. on election day to be considered for counting.
The polls will be open on Tuesday, March 5, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must present a valid ID to cast a ballot. Polling locations and additional information can be found on the Iowa Secretary of State website at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections.
The measure on the ballot has a proposed levy rate of $1.34 per $1,000 of assessed property value—an increase from the current rate of $0.67. Raising the rate to $1.34 would have a tax impact of approximately $43 per year on a home with an assessed value of $150,000, $46 per year on a $150,000 commercial property, and $226 per year on 320 acres of agricultural property.
If the voted PPEL is not approved, FCSD would need to use money from its general fund to support the facility and equipment needs currently addressed with PPEL funds. This could lead to budget reductions that could impact student learning and opportunities.