Revenue Purpose Statement
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The Maquoketa CSD Board of Education is calling for an election on November 7, 2023, to ask the community to consider the approval of an updated Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS) which outlines how the district utilizes Secure an Advanced Vision of Education (SAVE) funds. More commonly referred to as the penny sales tax, SAVE funds are utilized by districts to specifically support school infrastructure and technology needs. If voters approve the RPS in November, Maquoketa CSD will continue to be able to spend SAVE funds as Iowa law allows for the duration of the penny sales tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS) is a ballot measure that describes how school districts can spend penny sales tax (SAVE) funds that the State of Iowa has dedicated to public schools.
In 2019, the Iowa Legislature extended the one-cent sales tax (SAVE) through December 31, 2050. Current District Revenue Purpose Statements are valid through 2029. If Iowa districts want to use these funds for long-term facility planning and borrowing of these funds beyond 2029, the Revenue Purpose Statement must be updated to align with the 2019 legislative changes. Iowa Code 423F.3 outlines in which order and what purposes revenues must be expended without a Revenue Purpose Statement. Re-approval allows districts to plan for facility improvements during long-range planning and decide locally what purposes to spend the SAVE funds on.
SAVE allows districts to:
- Maintain the investment our communities have made in facilities.
- Facilitate long-range planning and provide a stable revenue source to respond to changing facility needs.
- Provide funds to purchase technology and equipment.
- Borrow against future SAVE dollars and utilize SAVE revenues to make those payments (bond principal and interest payments) as opposed to issuing General Obligation bonds, which are funded with property taxes.
Maquoketa CSD’s current Revenue Purpose Statement will expire in 2029. The district is seeking voter approval of a new RPS that would extend for the duration of the penny sales tax (SAVE) which is allowed by Iowa law through the year 2050.
No, this will not raise taxes. Approving the Revenue Purpose Statement will allow the district to access future SAVE funds, but it will not change the current sales tax rate. The penny sales tax that funds SAVE will be collected across the state regardless of whether or not this measure is approved. This vote is in regard to how the district utilizes these funds.
2020-2021 | $1,401,480
2021-2022 | $1,548,417
2022-2023 | $1,495,348
The SAVE revenue has funded many key infrastructure and technology projects in the district, including:
- Briggs Geothermal
- High School Window Replacement
- High School Gymnasium/Cafeteria
- Middle School Window Replacement
- High School HVAC
- Technology Infrastructure Improvements
- Student & Staff Technology Devices
The RPS specifies the use of funds Maquoketa CSD will receive from the State of Iowa Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) Fund, and is intended to be used in the following manner:
- To provide funds for information technology infrastructure
- To provide funds to build and furnish new school buildings
- To provide funds for the purchase or lease of buildings or equipment
- To provide funds to purchase land for new student construction program
- To provide funds for demolition, cleanup or other costs from a disaster
- To provide funds to establish and maintain public recreation places and playgrounds
- To provide funds for payment of principal and interest or retirement of general obligation bonds
- To provide funds for property tax relief
- To provide funds for other authorized expenditures and purposes designated by Maquoketa CSD
The entire RPS as it will appear on the ballot can be viewed here.
The election is set for November 7, 2023. A simple majority (50% + 1) is needed for the RPS to pass. For additional information on how to register to vote or your polling place, please visit the Iowa Secretary of State website.
If the new RPS is not approved, the District would not be able to borrow against future SAVE revenues past 2029. This drastically limits the District’s ability to plan for long-term facilities and technology projects. A special ballot can be brought back to voters not less than six months after the previous election.
The district currently has a facilities committee who reviews enrollment data, budget information, facilities reports including prioritized building needs and safety needs. Facilities recommendations are then made to the Board of Directors for review.
If you have a question about the Revenue Purpose Statement or vote on November 7, 2023, please contact the Maquoketa CSD Administration Office at 563-652-4984.
Jackson County Election Information
Clinton County Election Information
Dubuque County Election Information
Notice of Elections:
Clinton Co. COMBINED_PUBLIC NOTICE OF ELECTION CS23
