DURANT, Iowa — November is still months away, but there's no mistaking that it's election season in Durant. All across town, blue and gold signs proclaim "Vote Yes!" or "Vote No!" The issue at stake? A general obligation bond regarding the town's lone school building.
The special election scheduled for March 7 will allow those who live in the Durant Community School District to vote on renovations and repairs that are estimated to cost $15.6 million.
Voting "yes" would raise property taxes by $4.05 per $1,000 of taxable value for residential, commercial and agricultural land. For context, a home with a taxable value of approximately $55,000 would see about a $200 increase to its yearly payment.
You can check out how your property would be impacted by checking out the district's tax calculator, here.
The school district said it believes these upgrades are needed to keep both the community and its 100-year-old school viable.
So, what needs to be upgraded?
A lot.
"Electrical needs and mechanical needs, HVAC, our boiler system, putting a sprinkler system," listed Durant Superintendent Joe Burnett.
But that's not it — the district also has $800,000 worth of windows that need to be changed. The auditorium needs a stage upgrade and broken seat replacements. Even the 87-year-old gym will be torn down to make way for a brand new one in the same spot, should voters approve it.
Science and art classrooms would be renovated and aging equipment needs replacing. Electronically locking doors will be added to the high school and junior high wings for security reasons. Plus, ADA improvements are needed throughout the building, along with new paint, flooring and ceilings.
"What we're asking for here is not a project that's going to put us over the top in terms of trying to make 'Architectural Weekly' — we're trying to maintain the facilities that we have," Burnett said. "It's getting those updated and brought into the 21st century."
Right now, Durant's property tax rate sits at $9.36. The average for the region is $13.03. Burnett acknowledged that $15.6 million is a lot of money, but said it's "certainly not out of the realm" for what other Iowa districts have passed recently.
"Everything that's listed in there is a need and it does need to be addressed. Whether it's addressed in this particular bond referendum or one in the future, that doesn't go away. And if we want to remain a vibrant community here in Durant, they have to invest in our infrastructure," Burnett said. "It's no different than a home or a car. Anything that you own, there is a lifecycle to everything. And that includes your local school."
Where can you vote?
Here is what the ballot will look like, when you walk in on election day.
Scott County residents:
Calvary United Methodist Chruch
100 E James Street
Walcott, IA 52773
Muscatine County residents:
Stockton City Hall
318 Commerce Street
Stockton, IA 52769
Cedar County residents:
Durant Community Center
605 Fifth Avenue
Durant, IA 52747
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