WATERLOOVoters in Hawkeye’s 10-county service region are being asked whether to renew an instructional equipment levy on Tuesday, September 8, 2015.

The levy, overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2007, has been used to fund the purchase of instructional equipment and technology for classrooms, laboratories, and outlying centers. Specific examples include equipment for Hawkeye’s Patient Simulator Lab, dental program clinical equipment, audio/visual equipment improvements, air compressors for career and technical programs, and transportation and heavy equipment simulators.

Renewal of the levy will not result in an increase in the property tax rate. Renewing the levy will cost a total of $3.34 per year on a house assessed at $100,000. With the 6 cent levy included, Hawkeye’s current overall tax rate will still be approximately 5 cents lower than the property tax rate assessed by the College in 2007. Levy renewal will also allow the College and taxpayers to save money associated with future elections. In May 2015, Gov. Terry Branstad signed a bill giving community college trustees the authority to renew instructional equipment and facility maintenance levies at the same tax rate for 10 years, if each levy has been in place for 20 consecutive years. This election will help the College meet the 20-year threshold.

Hawkeye has identified a number of future needs, including equipment and technology for its new Adult Education Center and Health Services Building. In addition, the college will be upgrading its instructional technology in classrooms and expanding its simulation training opportunities.

Registered voters in the following school districts can vote: Allison-Bristow, Aplington-Parkersburg, Cedar Falls, Clarksville, Denver, Dike-New Hartford, Dunkerton, East Buchanan, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Grundy Center, Hudson, Independence, Janesville, Jesup, Nashua-Plainfield, North Tama County, Sumner, Tripoli, Union Community, Wapsie Valley, Waterloo, and Waverly-Shell Rock.

Visit www.hawkeyecollege.edu/about/2015-levy.aspx for more information.