VOTE November 5th, 2024

BALLOT QUESTION

Shall the Board of Directors of the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Community School District in the Counties of Hancock and Cerro Gordo, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $21,400,000 to provide funds to remodel, repair, improve, furnish, and equip its existing elementary/middle school building and its high school, including HVAC improvements, classroom improvements, a safe and secure entrance at the high school, reconfiguration of the kitchen and enclosure of the courtyard at the high school?

TAX RATE OF COMPARABLE SCHOOL DISTRICTS

GHV's Position:

● Current Levy Rate: At $9.87, GHV currently ranks as the 5th lowest out of 13

neighboring districts, indicating a relatively low tax burden on its residents.

● Proposed Levy Rate: With the proposed increase, GHV’s rate would rise to $10.72,

placing it 8th lowest out of 13, moving the district into a more central position within the

region.

Detailed Comparison:

● Lowest Levy Rate: Central Springs has the lowest rate at $9.37.

● Highest Levy Rate: Eagle Grove has the highest rate at $12.36.

● GHV’s Movement: The proposed increase would move GHV from the bottom 38% to

the middle 61%, reflecting the district’s need to fund new initiatives while remaining

mindful of tax competitiveness.

Neighboring Districts:

● Forest City: The levy rate is $10.83, still higher than GHV's proposed rate, suggesting

that even with the increase, GHV remains fiscally conservative.

● Clear Lake: With a rate of $10.39, Clear Lake’s rate is slightly lower than GHV’s

proposed rate, offering a close point of comparison for community members.

Community information meetings

Wednesday, September 25 @ 7:00 PM - Elementary Cafeteria

Monday, October 7 @ 7:00 PM - Ventura Community Center

Tuesday, October 29 @ 7:00 PM - High School Cafeteria