Voters asked to approve MCSD Revenue Purpose Statement

     The Tuesday, Sept. 12 School Election in Monticello will also be asking voters to consider approval of an updated Revenue Purpose Statement.

     This currently allows the Monticello Community School District to spend the funds raised by the penny sales tax (SAVE) in any way Iowa law allows. This is set to expire in 2021.

     If voters approve the Revenue Purpose Statement, the district will continue with their ability to spend the SAVE funds for the duration of the SAVE program.

     In the past, these funds were used to pay off the high school general obligation bond earlier than expected. Since then, the district has been saving the funds to use to help offset the costs of future district facility projects.

     The following questions and answers have been provided by Dr. Brian Jaeger, MCSD superintendent:

     What is a Revenue Purpose Statement? It is a ballot issue that describes how school districts can spend the penny sales tax/SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education) funds that the state of Iowa has dedicated to Iowa schools.

     Do we currently have a Revenue Purpose Statement? We do have a current Revenue Purpose Statement that allows the Monticello Community School District to spend the funds raised by the penny sales tax (SAVE) in any way Iowa law allows, but this will expire in 2021.

     Why is this important now? Our district’s current Revenue Purpose Statement will expire in 2021. We would like to extend our current Revenue Purpose Statement language for the duration of the penny sales tax (SAVE), which is allowed by Iowa law.

     Will this raise my taxes? This will absolutely not raise your taxes. This is an extension of the current Revenue Purpose Statement, which will allow the school district to continue to spend the funds as allowed by Iowa law. This is not a vote on the penny sales tax (SAVE). The state legislature has already set the rate at a penny. It is a vote to extend our current Revenue Purpose Statement language for the duration of the penny sales tax (SAVE).

     What if the Revenue Purpose Statement is not approved? Iowa law requires a minimum of six months to pass before another Revenue Purpose Election can be held. If the original version is not approved, a revised version can be brought back to our voters.

     How have the SAVE funds been used in the past? In the past, these funds were used to pay off the high school general obligation bond in Monticello earlier than expected. Since then we have been saving these funds to use to help offset the costs of future district facility projects.

     If you have any questions, contact Jaeger at 319-465-5963.