Taxpayers across 59 counties, representing 82% of the state’s population, will be asked to increase their debt burden.

The November 5, 2024, general election ballots in 59 counties will have bond questions. This potential new spending of $1.13 billion would, if enacted, directly affect 82.4% of the state’s population.

The bond questions cover a variety of local government types: Nine are for cities; one is for a community college; five are for counties; and the remaining 31 are for public school districts. The largest request is $165 million for Waterloo Community School District (CSD) to convert a middle school into a high school. The smallest request comes from the City of State Center, with a proposal to build an addition to its municipal fire station for $1,500,000.

Since Iowans for Tax Relief Foundation began tracking local bond elections, school districts (collectively) have frequently asked the most of taxpayers. This election cycle is no different, as the proposals from schools total $860 million. That amount far surpasses the debt proposals of counties ($129 million), cities ($91 million), and community colleges ($55 million).

Effect of 2023 Property Tax Law

In 2023, a wide-ranging package of property tax reforms passed through the Iowa State Capitol (HF 718), winning overwhelming bipartisan support in both legislative chambers. One of the legislation’s major provisions is the restriction of bond elections to November each year, with the goal of increasing voter turnout for issues that have a direct effect on property taxes.

Another provision of the legislation is for direct notification about bond elections. The commissioner of elections or auditor for each county conducting a bond election must mail every registered voter a notice that includes the full text of the public measure to be voted on not less than 10 days or more than 20 days prior to election day.

Voter Education

To ensure efficient, accountable government, voters in districts with bond proposals must educate themselves about public projects and spending in their communities. Use the menu bar at the top of this page to explore your community’s spending, debt, and property tax collections as you decide how to vote on these debt proposals.