FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will the community vote on the proposed solution to its facility needs?
Yes. Registered voters who reside in the Union Community School District will consider a $20.5 million general obligation bond issue on November 5, 2024. These funds generated by the district's debt levy would be used to pay for proposed improvements at all of our facilities throughout Union Community School District. The bond must receive approval from 60% of voters.
What prior improvements have occurred at the district's schools?
Since it was originally constructed in the mid-1950s, Union High School has yet to receive a facility-wide improvement project. Some improvements and an addition was built in 2000 that impacted approximately 25% of the building. Two smaller projects followed in 2010 and 2013, but a significant amount of the facility’s infrastructure is from 1974 with some components remaining from 1963 and 1954.
Union Middle School has received the most extensive improvements in the past five years with a three-phase HVAC-focused project spanning 2019-22. New HVAC throughout the building (excluding air conditioning in the gymnasium) along with significant electrical upgrades and new lighting has been realized there. Additionally, the middle school received some minor improvements in 2013.
Both elementary schools received significant work with a two-phase geothermal HVAC project that touched nearly the entire facility from 2009-10. New ceilings, lighting, and electrical distribution upgrades throughout the entirety of both facilities occurred. Minor improvements were also completed in a 2013 project that included scope for all four Union facilities.
Some of the funds included in the November 5 bond referendum will go towards the areas that were left off the 2009-10 project and preventative maintenance for the equipment that will be up to 17 years old at the conclusion of the proposed project.
The list of projects completed since 2010 includes:
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Union Middle School (2022): New public address, clock, and camera systems installed throughout the facility.
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Union Middle School (2022): HVAC upgrades throughout remainder of facility untouched by Phase I and Phase II; new LED lighting, upgrades to electrical distribution and the fire alarm systems.
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Union Middle School (2020): New HVAC throughout southeast corner of the facility; new LED lighting and electrical distribution throughout the affected areas; new electrical service, transformer, and main switchgear; upgrades to the fire alarm system.
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Union Middle School (2019): New rooftop units throughout all classroom spaces; new LED lighting throughout classroom and adjacent spaces; upgraded electrical distribution and fire alarm systems in the affected areas.
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Union Middle School (2013): Computer lab renovation (HVAC and electrical); front entry renovation.
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DG Elementary and LPC Elementary (2013): Front door replacement at DG Elementary; four classroom renovations and new gym lighting at LPC Elementary.
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DG Elementary & LPC Elementary (2010): Phase II of the major HVAC project bringing geothermal heating and cooling to both elementary facilities. New ceilings, lighting, doors, finishes, and electrical distribution upgrades were included.
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DG Elementary & LPC Elementary (2009): Phase I of major the HVAC project bringing geothermal heating and cooling to both elementary facilities. New ceilings, lighting, doors, finishes, and electrical distribution upgrades were included.
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Union High School (2013): New HVAC for the auditorium; minor improvements in the locker rooms, administration area, and the Ag classroom.
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Union High School (2010): New HVAC (rooftop units) for eight classrooms; ceiling and lighting improvements in the same classrooms.
What is the estimated cost breakdown for the projects in the bond proposal?
The total cost of the projects included in the November 5 bond referendum is estimated at $27.45 million. Of this amount, Union CSD intends to borrow against future revenue the district receives from the statewide one-cent sales tax (known as SAVE) to pay for $6.95 million. The remaining project costs would be paid for using voter-approved general obligation bonds.
The chart below shows the estiamted cost of the projects included in the proposal:
How will an approved bond referendum in November 2024 affect property taxes?
According to the financial firm Piper Sandler, the tax impact of an approved bond would be $2.70 per $1,000 of taxable property value. For a $150,000 home within Union CSD's boundary, that would amount to approximately $14.55 per month (or $174.59 per year).
For commercial and industrial property with an assessed value of $150,000, the monthly impact would be $15.64.Based on the average assessed value of agricultural land per county, the monthly tax impact for one acre would be $0.33 in Benton and Buchanan, and $0.30 in Blackhawk and Tama.
What is Union CSD’s tax levy rate history?
Since 2010, the district’s levy rate has averaged $12.30 per $1,000 of taxable property value and peaked at $12.70 in fiscal years 2011 and 2012. The district’s proposed tax rate for fiscal 2025 is $11.87.
How does our school district’s tax levy compare to others?
Union CSD currently has one of the lowest tax levy rates in the North Iowa Cedar League. With an approved bond referendum on November 5, 2024, five school districts in the NICL would still have a higher rate than us.
How much revenue would an approved bond issue provide the district?
If approved, the bond would provide the district with no more than $20.5 million in additional revenue to address facility needs at all four of our campuses.
Will funds other than the general obligation bond be used for this plan?
Yes. In addition to the $20.5 million the district would receive from an approved general obligation bond on November 5, 2024, a portion of the funds Union CSD receives from the statewide one-cent sales tax fund known as SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education) would also be utilized. SAVE revenue cannot be used for staff salaries or benefits.
Why should we move forward with these projects now?
By acting now, Union CSD can address needs at all of our schools and position each school to better our students. Delaying the proposed bond referendum projects will lead to higher costs later due to inflation, rising material and labor costs, and increasing interest rates, among other factors.
What are the enrollment trends at Union CSD?
Like many school districts throughout Iowa, we have seen a decline in certified enrollment over the past two decades. In 2003-4, enrollment at Union CSD was 1,241 students. That total dipped to 1,214 in 2013-14 and stood at 944 in 2023-24.
When is election day?
The election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Polling locations can be found on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website. Additional local election information can be found on this website under the How to Vote section.
How do I register to vote?
Eligible voters must complete a voter registration form and return it to your County Auditor’s Office before election day.
Do I need an ID to vote?
Yes. A valid ID is necessary in order to cast a ballot. More information is available on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.
Can I cast an absentee ballot in this election?
Yes. Registered voters may request a mailed absentee ballot ahead of election day through your County Auditor’s Office. The first day that voters can request a mailed absentee ballot is August 27. Ballots will be mailed starting October 17.
To receive a mailed absentee ballot, complete a request form and return it to your County Auditor’s Office. The deadline to request a mailed ballot is October 21. Ballots must be received by the auditor’s office before the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on election day to be considered for counting.
In-person absentee voting begins on October 16 and can be completed weekdays during normal business hours at the your County Auditor's Office until November 4. More information can be found on the How to Vote section of this site.
MORE: See a sample ballot