Elections in Iowa that occur on odd-numbered years don’t have any of the big statewide or federal competitions such as governor or congressional seats.
However, amid the November 7 slate of traditional contests for mayors, school board members, and city council seats, there is a big bunch of public school bond issue votes in just one county.
Sioux County is the place with four bond issue votes, as school officials are seeking property tax money for school building proposals. Those school districts include West Sioux, Rock Valley, Boyden-Hull, and West Lyon.
The largest proposed school building is in the Rock Valley School District, with a $25 million proposal. Others are $19.8 million in West Lyon, $19.2 million in Sheldon, and $15.5 million in West Sioux. That will make for a busy evening of counting votes in the Sioux County Auditor’s Office, and some trepidation by school officials until the results are known.
The West Lyon School District also lies in Lyon County, so voters there will also see that bond issue measure on their ballots.
All the bond issue votes need 60 percent affirmation to pass.
In Woodbury County, a $15.5 million bond issue measure involves a planned expansion of the Lawton-Bronson School District building in Lawton. There is a $16 million school bond issue in the Hinton School District in Plymouth County.
Why are there so many school bond issues this November?
A recent change in Iowa law moved all measures that include issuance of bonds paid from property taxes to be held along with the November municipal elections. Before, a school bond issue might be slated for January or May or other months.
In Osceola County, voters will decide whether to approve a $5 million project to expand the county jail facility, and also an $18.6 million Harris-Lake Park school bond issue.
Elsewhere among the many counties in Northwest Iowa covered by Siouxland Public Media, the Schaller-Crestland School District has placed a bond issue vote on the Buena Vista County ballot for $15.7 million in elementary school improvements. Schaller-Crestland covers territory in two other counties, so some people in Ida and Sac counties will also see the school measure on their ballots.
Ida County voters will decide whether to create an EMS fund paid from property taxes, something that other counties in Iowa have created. The cost to Ida County taxpayers would be 75 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation.
The IKM-Manning School District is located in Crawford and Carroll counties, and voters will consider an $18.6 million school building proposal.
Early voting is underway, and polls will be open on November 7 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
NOTE: We’ll have lots more continuing election coverage up through early November, including a live event at noon, November 1, for the Sioux City Council candidates.
