Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS) Voter Information-
The Guthrie Center and Adair-Casey 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, Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center will continue to be able to spend SAVE funds as Iowa law allows for the duration of the penny sales tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Revenue Purpose Statement?
In May of 2019, HF 546 was signed into law extending the Secure and Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) law through the calendar year 2050. SAVE allows school districts to borrow against statewide penny sales tax revenue to help fund school infrastructure projects.
Approving the proposed RPS will allow both districts to use future SAVE funds for school infrastructure and technology through calendar year 2050, when the SAVE law expires. It will not change the current sales tax rate. Citizens will continue to pay the one-cent sales tax even if the proposed RPS is not approved.
Why is it important now?
Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center’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.
Will this raise taxes?
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 regards to how the district utilizes these funds.
What have SAVE Funds been used for in the district?
The SAVE revenue has funded many key infrastructure and technology projects in the district, including:
Technology infrastructure improvements
Student and staff technology devices
The addition of the High School weight room
GC Elementary HVAC and window updates
Adding rural water to the A-C Campus
Non-instructional software
Refinishing gym floors
What does the new Revenue Purpose Statement say?
The RPS specifies the use of funds Adair-Casey/Guthrie Center 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 property tax relief
To provide funds for technology infrastructure
To provide funds for school safety and security infrastructure
To provide funds to build, remodel, reconstruct, repair, improve, or demolish school buildings
To provide funds to purchase, lease, or lease-purchase buildings, equipment, or technology and to repair transportation equipment
To provide funds to implement energy conservation measures
To provide funds for emergency demolition, cleanup, and repairs due to natural disasters
To provide funds to establish and maintain public recreational areas and playgrounds
To provide funds for the payment of principal and interest or retirement of general obligation bonds issued for school infrastructure purposes and tax revenue bonds
To provide funds for other authorized purposes permitted by law
When will the Revenue Purpose Statement vote be held?
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.
What if the Revenue Purpose Statement is not approved?
If the new RPS is not approved, the district will need to spend SAVE funds in a manner outlined in the SAVE fund legislation. A special ballot can be brought back to voters not less than six months after the previous election.
How can I learn more?
If you have a question about the Revenue Purpose Statement or vote on November 7, 2023, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 641-332-2972.
Mr. Josh Rasmussen
Superintendent
AC/GC Schools