Columbus Junction voters have two important decisions to make today. A county-wide Emergency Services Levy and a Physical Plant and Equipment Levy for the Columbus Community School District are being voted on. 

The Emergency Service Levy (ESL) aims to give a more dependable stream of income for the County’s three ambulance services. Currently, Louisa County subsidizes ambulance services in Columbus Junction, Wapello, and Morning Sun. The proposed levy is 59 cents per $1,000 taxable property valuation for 15 years. This number was set by an EMS Advisory Council, a group formed shortly after EMS was designated as an essential service in December 2022. 

The Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) is a renewal vote. Voters will be asked to consider continuing the property tax rate of 67 cents per thousand. There would be no increase in taxes with this vote. PPEL is a common levy that schools use to keep buildings, transportation, equipment, and technology up to date. Projects funded through PPEL at Columbus have included a track resurfacing, musical instruments, and HVAC improvements. 

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting can be done at the Columbus Junction American Legion, Columbus Masonic Lodge, or Conesville City Hall.