Jackson County voters go to the polls today for school tax

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By Sheri Melvold | Monday, January 8, 2007 11:41 PM CST | () comments

MAQUOKETA, Iowa — Jackson County voters will go to the polls today to decide whether to extend a 1 percent sales tax for schools 10 years beyond the current expiration in 2012.

The measure needs a simple majority to extend the tax to 2022 to benefit school districts in the county.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at traditional polling places in the 16 precincts in the county, not school board election polls.

The tax revenues can be used for maintenance, new construction and remodeling. Some districts have added purchase of buses and computers to their list of uses. The money cannot be used for salaries.

Superintendents in Jackson County said the tax provides funding for buildings, freeing up the general fund for books, salaries and other operating expenses.

Maquoketa Superintendent Kim Huckstadt said the district will borrow against future tax revenues to build a $6 million gymnasium and cafeteria at the high school. Board members emphasized the 1 percent sales tax is not a new tax, but continues the existing tax.

Huckstadt said this tax takes some of the financial burden off property taxpayers. Schools traditionally rely heavily on property taxes for operations.

East Central School District Superintendent Jim House said they have used sales tax money on energy conservation, with energy savings between 50 and 90 percent.

Bellevue Superintendent Virgil Murray said the district has used the tax money for classrooms, roof repair and athletic upgrades. The board is seeking bids for a new high school gym floor.

Andrew Superintendent Kent Hammer said the tax allows the board to make decisions without worrying about the impact on the general fund budget. The district is looking at replacing 35-year-old portable classrooms this spring.

Paul Tobin, Preston superintendent, said the board in the past had to decide between putting on a new roof or hiring a teacher. Revenue from the sales tax allows the district to maintain its aging facilities and upgrade the bus fleet.

In 2006, the districts received sales tax revenues of $696,276 for Maquoketa; $353,717 for Bellevue; $134,113 for East Central; $145,699 for Preston and $152,458 for Andrew.

The Iowa Legislature may look at a statewide 1 percent sales tax this session. Superintendents say if that happens, the districts will see an increase in the amount of tax per student they will receive from the statewide pool of money. In Jackson County, the average per student now is $419. If the statewide tax passes, it could jump to $575 per student.

The city desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2245 or newsroom@qctimes.com.