CENTER POINT-URBANA CSD
BOND VOTE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the proposed solution to address the district’s needs?
A multiphase approach is being proposed by the School Board and administration.
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The first phase aligns with the district's ongoing maintenance projects and system replacements. It includes roof repairs and replacements at the primary school and middle school, updates to the pre-kindergarten rooms at the intermediate school, and HVAC improvements at both the high school and middle school.
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Phase I would be completed by using revenue the district receives from the state through the Secure an Advance Vision for Education (SAVE) fund, along with the district's voter-approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL).
General obligation bonds approved by voters would be used to finance the second phase of projects, which includes:
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Safety and security improvements at the primary and middle school
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A 600-seat auditorium with a lobby at the high school
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A multipurpose practice space and weight room at the high school
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Site improvements, including parking
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Upgrades to athletic facilities, including baseball/softball fields and the concession stand
What is the cost breakdown of the general obligation bond projects?
This graphic below shows the architect's estimated costs for each of the projects included in the November 5 bond proposal.
How was the decision made to pursue a bond referendum?​
The School Board and administration have actively studied the district’s facility challenges and examined potential solutions since the 2021-22 school year.
This process included the creation of a Master Facilities Task Force to engage with parents, district residents, and members of the business community, as well as a partnership with INVISION Architecture for facility assessments and professional consultation. The district also developed a Master Facilities Roadmap and engaged in work sessions with staff focus groups.
In July, the School Board accepted a project recommendation from the task force that proposed two phases of improvements based on funding sources.
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Will our communities vote on the proposed solution to the district’s needs?
Yes. Registered voters who reside in the Center Point-Urbana CSD will consider a general obligation bond on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. If it is approved, these funds would be used in concert with revenue the district receives from its voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) and the one-cent statewide sales tax fund known as SAVE. The bond must be approved by at least 60% of voters.
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What is the amount of money provided by an approved bond?
If a supermajority of CPU voters (at least 60%) approve the bond referendum on Tuesday, November 5, the district would be able to receive up to $20.615 million for construction and improvement projects outlined in the ballot measure.
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If the bond is approved by voters, when would construction or new project begin?
Spring of 2027.
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How will an approved bond referendum affect property taxes?
The bond proposal will not increase the tax levy rate beyond what district property owners been accustomed to paying on an annual basis in recent years. However, the bond proposal will extend the time commitment from property owners for supporting these infrastructure needs for their local school district — from Fiscal Year 2036 when the existing general obligation bonds would be paid off, through FY 2048 when the new bonds would be scheduled to be paid off if no other board actions resulted in earlier prepayment of the debt.
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More information can be found in the Tax Impact section.
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What is CPU's levy rate history?
The School Board and administration have a history of respecting the needs of our property taxpayers and balancing them with the needs of our students.​ Since 2005, the district’s levy rate has remained steady, with the highest rate in nearly two decades being $18.56 per $1,000 of taxable property value (in 2011) and the lowest rate at $17.06 (in 2006).
How does CPU's levy rate compare to other districts?
Our levy rate for Fiscal Year 2025 is $17.78 per $1,000 of taxable property value. This is in line with many of our neighboring districts:
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Linn-Mar: $17.99
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Marion: $17.91
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CPU: $17.78
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Mount Vernon: $17.41
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Alburnett: $15.14
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Vinton-Shellsburg: $15.12
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North Linn: $14.10
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How does CPU rank in Assessed valuation per pupil compared to the rest of the state?
That depends whether you are calculating per Certified or Served student. Also, is the question of valuation directed at Assessed Value or Taxable Value? There is no right or wrong answer — just the facts. Here is the current information:
Assessed and Taxable Value - FY 2025
Assessed value: $785,841,716
Taxable value: $397,626,376
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Certified and Served Enrollment - October 2023
Certified (used for FY 2025 budget): 1,174.2
Served (used for FY 2025 budget): 1,352.3
Assessed Valuation
Per certified: $669,257
Per served: $581,114
Taxable Valuation
Per certified: $338,635
Per served: $294,037
Regarding rankings, CPU is noted for being "property poor" relative to other districts in Iowa, indicating a lower assessed value per student compared to wealthier districts.
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Did CPU seek state grants for cameras and other security measures?
Yes. We received $185,000 through a School Safety Grant (up to $50,000 per building). The primary school and the middle school received the installation of security cameras, along with the intermediate school.
The high school received upgraded LED lighting inside and out after vulnerability assessments were completed.
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How long is the general obligation bond for?
The timeline of the proposed bond is 20 years. The district will have the ability to restructure this debt to take advantage of favorable economic conditions and interest rates, or pay it off earlier than expected.
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Why should we move forward with these improvements now?
By acting this year, CPU can address its needs at multiple schools we maintain, allowing the district to strengthen its facilities and equipment for future generations of students. Delaying these projects will lead to higher costs later due to inflation, rising material and labor costs, and increasing interest rates, among other factors.
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​What are CPU's enrollment trends?
Certified enrollment at CPU during the 2003-04 school year was 1,109. Our enrollment peaked in 2017 at 1,364 students, but has fallen in the years since to stand at 1,175 during the 2023-24 school year.​
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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. and polling locations can be found on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website. A valid ID is required to cast a ballot.
You can find more information by visiting the How to Vote section.