–Voters in the Emmetsburg School District voted down a ballot measure that would have allowed the district to raise their debt service levy during a special election held Tuesday.
A total of 807 votes were cast, with the measure receiving 363 yes votes, which comes out to about 45% support, with 443 voting against it, or around 55%. The ballot measure needed 60% voter approval to pass.
This is the 2nd time voters have rejected a ballot measure regarding the district’s debt service levy, as a vote in September of 2024 received only 41% approval.
The vote is another defeat for the district as they try to replace the aging West Elementary building. A nearly $30-Million bond issue fell short of the necessary 60% voter approval back in November.
The district has an agreement to purchase land on the north side of Emmetsburg that would be used for a new elementary building. The current West Elementary is in need of extensive repair, with those costs estimated at more than $6 Million.
