Special Election Measures Pass for Monticello, Independence School District
Special elections were held across the state yesterday, with several here locally.
Monticello residents approved a public measure that will change Monticello to an at-large council representation plan for all council members without ward residency requirements. All of the City’s councilpersons will now 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 will serve four-year terms. The measure passed with 63% of the vote.
The PPEL referendum narrowly passed in the Independence School District, with 52% of voters approving the physical plant and equipment property tax, which will not 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.
Audrey Hill was voted in to fill the Director District 1 seat on the Independence school board.
And 75% of voters in the Hawkeye Community College service area approved a $35 million bond referendum on Tuesday. Funds from the bond will be used to renovate and expand existing college facilities. Hawkeye officials say the approval extends an existing tax levy used to fund the construction and maintenance of the college’s facilities. The tax levy rate will remain the same, costing the owner of a $100,000 home approximately $1.20 per month.
