Schools on the ballot this special election

(ABC 6 News) – Tuesday is special election day in Iowa, where voters in 58 of the state’s 99 counties are heading to the polls, including Floyd County.

Three schools are on the ballot for this special election: Nashua-Plainfield Community School District, North Butler Community School District, and Hawkeye Community college each asking for millions of dollars to renovate and create add on to their facilities.

“Read up on the issue and understand that it is important to our communities,” said Precinct election official Rhonda Pyatt.

While those who showed up feel strongly about supporting local schools. The overall turnout was only a few dozen people.

“When I walked in the door it was kind of a big surprise case there was nobody else here today but hopefully everybody will get out and do their civic duty,” said Leo Deutsch.

Still, voters say its up to the community to make sure schools are updated for each and every student.

Multi-million dollar decisions on this ballot include Hawkeye Community College asking for approval of a 35 million dollar bond referendum to renovate and expand facilities.

Plus the North Butler Community School District is also asking for $12.6 million to construct a new addition to its junior and senior high school building.

But most voters say they came in favor of the Nashua-Plainfield school district asking for a $3 million dollar bond to construct a baseball and softball athletic complex

“It would be wonderful for our communities. This way the town of Plainfield will have something since their school is no longer there this will allow them to have something to be proud of right in their community,” explained Eugene Nieman.

The complex will be constructed no matter what comes this July. But the district’s Superintendent Todd Liechty says if this vote is passed, it will save the district about $1 million in interest payments without raising property taxes.

“Financing the complex through the general obligation bond, we use the same money we still use the penny sales tax to pay for it either way but this way we can get a better tax rate and it pays off sooner,” Liechty said.

Voters say it’s something they can get behind.

“It is a lot of money but it is worth it if you have to spend money to grow and they’re using it for good things in both the school districts,” Cathy McGregor said.

Voters must vote at the Floyd County fairgrounds by 8 p.m. Tuesday.