Special Elections Today for Monticello City and Independence School District
Special elections are being held across the state today, with several here locally.
Monticello residents will be deciding on a public measure that would change Monticello to an at-large council representation plan for all council members without ward residency requirements. If this measure is passed by a majority, all of the City’s councilpersons will be elected at-large in the November general election. The three highest vote-getters will serve four-year terms, with the next three highest vote-getters serving two-year terms. For all following elections after that, all of the councilpersons would serve four-year terms.
Polls will be open today at the Monticello Berndes Center from 7 am to 8 pm.
And the Independence School District is asking voters to approve a physical plant and equipment property tax not to exceed 67 cents per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation. Independence Superintendent Russ Reiter says even with the PPEL proposal of 27 cents, the district still plans to drop the overall tax rate by 5 cents. Reiter says their proposed budget will be down approximately $13.33 from $13.39 this past year.
Independence School District voters will also choose someone to fill the Director District 1 seat on the school board, with Audrey Hill the lone candidate.
Polls will be open today from 7 am to 8 pm at St. Patrick’s Parish in Winthrop, the Falcon Civic Center in Independence, the Former Public Health Building in Independence and Jesup City Hall in Jesup.
And residents in the Hawkeye Community College service area are being asked today to approve a $35 million bond referendum to address their communities’ workforce needs. Funds from the bond would be used to renovate and expand existing college facilities. Hawkeye officials say approval of the bond referendum will not change residents’ property tax rates. The measure would continue an existing tax levy used to fund the construction and maintenance of the college’s facilities. With approval, the tax levy rate will remain the same, costing the owner of a $100,000 home approximately $1.20 per month. Residents in 22 counties can vote on the bond referendum, including residents in the East Buchanan and Independence school districts.
