H-M-S PPEL vote is Tuesday

Patrons in the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District will vote on a ballot with no candidates next week.

The decennial vote on the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) will be held Tuesday, Sept. 13 at polling stations in Hartley and Sanborn. If it's re-approved, revenue from the levy will continue to be used on things like improvement of grounds and facilities, construction, lease and purchase of equipment and technology, payment of debts contracted for building instruction, and transportation needs.

H-M-S Superintendent Patrick Carlin said continuation of the levy would allow the district to keep improving and provide the best environment for students.

"Having two new buildings and an ever changing worldly demands, it is critical that the district has the resources and ability to continue to provide a world-class education for our students," he said.

Past projects made possible by PPEL include technology upgrades throughout the district, purchase of buses and other vehicles, gymnasium enhancements, parking lot resurfacing, additional tiling on the north side of the high school, and additional financial support during new building construction. The last PPEL ballot in 2013 was approved by 69 percent of the vote.

Carlin noted the levy cannot exceed $1.34 per $1,000 of assessed valuation of the taxable property within the school district.

"The school board will review [the PPEL rate] annually to determine based on local needs," he explained. "If passed, the potential capacity would increase but not necessarily the tax rate or money generated. The amount could stay the same, decrease or increase annually based on a variety of factors."

Polling locations at the Hartley Community Center and Sanborn Community Building will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sept. 13. Contact the O'Brien County Auditor's Office if you're unsure where to vote.