West Burlington Voters shot down a proposed tax levy during a special election yesterday.
The levy, known as a Voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy, or “PPEL”, would have increased the city’s voted PPEL from .64 cents for every $1,000 in taxable valuation to $1.34 for every $1,000 in taxable valuation. It failed, with 66% of voters voting against the levy, and only 34% voting for proposal.
The tax levy was designed to help fund the district’s 1 to 1 computer initiative, which allows every student in the district access to a computer, with older students getting personal computers to take home with them. Superintendent David Schmitt says that the program will still be funded regardless of the levy, with money coming out of several other funds to cover costs.
Dan Hockett was the victor over Brent Mixer in the special school board election. Hockett fills the seat left by Wayne Ross, who was appointed to the board to fill an unexpired term. Hockett will have to run again in the fall when that unexpired term ends. Hockett won with 299 votes, or 67%. Mixer garnered 28% of the vote.
Turnout was average for a special election. 25% of the 2,031 registered voters in the West Burlington School District showed up to vote. In total, 454 ballots were cast.
