Voters in the Red Oak Community School District, Tuesday, overwhelmingly approved at Public Measure pertaining to a 10-year extension of a Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL), and a PPEL Income Surtax. According to unofficial results from the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office, “Proposition A” received 391 Yes votes and 154 No votes, or 71.74% to 28.26%. A simple majority was needed in order for the measure to pass.

The levy of $1.34 per thousand dollars taxable property valuation will be used for building and grounds maintenance and construction, plus transportation, equipment and technology purchases. It becomes effective on June 30^th 2021, while the Income Surtax starts December 31^st for each calendar year, and commencing with the 2020 calendar year.

Meanwhile voters in the Hamburg School District, Tuesday overwhelmingly rejected a $4.3 million bond issue for a renovation and expansion of Marnie Simons Elementary School. Unofficial results from the Fremont County Auditor’s Office show the bond issue was rejected by a 367-to-274 vote. The referendum received only 42.75% of the vote–well short of the 60% super-majority necessary for its passage.

School officials proposed the project in order to make it more compatible for middle school students. Marnie Simons became a K-8 facility earlier this year. Opponents argued the expansion was unnecessary for the district’s small enrollment, and that the building was in good shape. They also believed the bond issue was too big of an expense for taxpayers.