O-M PPEL extension unofficially passes

The Orient-Macksburg Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) extension unofficially passed in an election held Tuesday, Sept. 13.

Voters in the school district went to polls located in Adair, Adams, Union and Madison counties.

The measure extends the voter-approved PPEL for a 10-year period. It is to not to exceed $1 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation and is effective with the collection of taxes in the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2024.

A simple majority was needed to pass. The district says 68 of 606 of registered voters in the district cast a ballot in the election, totaling 11% of eligible voters.

In Adair County, 59 votes were for the measure and 11 were against. Both Adams and Madison counties had one vote for and one vote against the extension. In Union County, one voter checked yes for the extension.

Information before the vote was taken stated that past PPEL projects have been in the areas of student and staff technology, bus and vehicle purchases, classroom remodels, carpet and classroom flooring, technology infrastructure, interior security cameras, exterior door locks, and more.

Future PPEL purchases could include many of the same items, as well as technology purchases for staff and students, and athletic facility upgrades.