Revenue Purpose Statement Special Election
Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS) Special Election
Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS) Special Election
Tuesday, March 3, 2024
In a special election on Tuesday, March 3, Waterloo voters will be asked to approve a Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS) with a simple majority to allow Waterloo Schools to spend penny sales tax (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education or SAVE) funds that the State of Iowa dedicates to public schools. In 2019, the SAVE tax (the statewide penny) was extended through January 1, 2051 by legislators. The extension requires school districts to update their existing RPS by a public vote.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Revenue Purpose Statement?
It gives Waterloo Schools permission to use penny sales tax (SAVE) funds for infrastructure & technology needs through 2050.
Why is a special election being held March 3?
The school board is asking voters to approve an updated RPS. A simple majority vote of 50% +1 is required for its approval.
Will a YES vote raise my taxes?
No, this ballot measure will not raise taxes. Approval of the RPS would simply allow the district to use already allocated SAVE funds.
Is this a vote to increase the statewide penny sales tax?
No, state legislators set the rate at one cent .
What have SAVE funds paid for in the past?
The most recent projects have been Orange and Fred Becker Elementary Schools and the Waterloo Career Center. The next project planned is the Lowell Elementary Building. Several other projects are being considered, but none has been approved.
Where can I vote on Tuesday, March 3?
Absentee Ballots are now available at the Election Office, Room 210 of the Courthouse at 316 E. 5th St., Waterloo, IA 50703. Ballots may be voted there 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday, through Monday, March 2. To vote by mail, send an absentee ballot request form (found at www.sos.state.ia.us or www.co.black-hawk.ia.us) to the Election Office at the above address and a ballot will be mailed to you. Absentee ballot request forms must be received in the Election Office by the deadline of 5:00 PM, Friday, February 21, or no ballot will be mailed.
The polls will be open from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM on Election Day, March 3rd. Voting is limited to those voters who reside in the respective School Districts.
Voter Pre-Registration Deadline: The last day to pre-register at the Election Office for this election is Friday, February 21 before 5:00PM. Voter registration forms may be found at www.sos.iowa.gov or www.co.black-hawk.ia.us. Following the deadline and on Election Day, any new voter and any voter who has moved from outside the county will be processed using the requirements of Election Day Registration and must provide proof of residence and identity.
Black Hawk County will be utilizing vote centers for the Waterloo School District. Vote centers are polling locations that combine multiple precincts, allowing voters to choose at which location to vote. This election will have ten vote centers in Waterloo. Voters must vote in one of the vote centers within their respective school district. The locations are listed below:
WATERLOO SCHOOL DISTRICT VOTE CENTERS
CEDAR VALLEY CHURCH, 3520 Ansborough Ave (east entrance)
HAMMOND AVENUE BRETHREN CHURCH, 1604 Hammond Ave (lower level)
LANDMARK COMMONS, 1400 Maxhelen Blvd
PAUL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 207 W. Louise St
OUR SAVIORS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 420 Harwood (east entrance)
HARVEST VINEYARD CHURCH, 715 E. 4th St
LINDEN METHODIST CHURCH, 301 Butler Ave (lower level)
KIMBALL RIDGE CENTER, 2101 Kimball Ave (lower level)
ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH, 810 Kimball Ave (lower level)
EVANSDALE COMMUNITY RESPONSE CENTER, 911 Evans Rd
Questions may be directed to the Election Office; call the office at 833-3007 or email the office at: [email protected]. The location is 316 E 5th St, Courthouse – Room 210, Waterloo, 50703.
Click here for more information about voting.
Click here for absentee voting information.