MANSON –Voters in the Manson Northwest Webster Community School District will be asked to raise and extend the voted physical plant and equipment levy on Tuesday during a special election.

There will be two questions on the ballot — the first asking to raise the voted PPEL rate from 83 cents to $1.34 per $1,000 taxable value for the remainder of the current PPEL period, which will expire on June 30, 2022. The voted PPEL is extended in 10-year periods and the next extension will run to June 30, 2033, so the second question asks to raise the rate from 83 cents to $1.34 per $1,000 taxable value for that period.

The PPEL is a voter-approved levy that serves as the primary revenue source for funding of school infrastructure and equipment repairs and purchases.

According to the MNW district, raising the voted PPEL by 51 cents will not increase the total tax rate for its residents. The district plans to decrease the rate of other categorical funds like the general fund, management fund and regular PPEL fund, to offset the increase in the voted PPEL rate.

If the voted PPEL increase is approved by voters next week, the district plans to host a community strategic planning session to gather input from staff, students, school board members and community members to develop a 5-10 year facility improvement plan. Some of the district’s priorities are adding new classrooms at the Junior/Senior High School, updating electrical services at both school buildings, renovating the old bus barn, replacing playground equipment at the elementary school and more.

The full list of priorities can be found on the district’s website at www.manson-nw.k12.ia.us.

Voters living in the Webster County portion of the MNW district will vote at the Clare Community Center, 520 E. Front St. in Clare. Voters living in the Calhoun County portion of the district will vote at the MAC Center, 1227 16th St. in Manson.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. Tuesday until 8 p.m.