In the school elections Tuesday, Sept. 10, voters in the Southwestern Community College district will have an opportunity to vote on an issue that is little known and little understood by most people, but one that is of vital importance to the continued mission of Southwestern.

The plant fund needs of Southwestern are partly funded by a facilities levy of 20.25 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. This levy has been in effect since the founding of the college in 1966, and under Iowa law, its renewal must be approved by the voters every 10 years.

This levy cannot be used for general expenses, such as salaries, scholarships or other needs of the college. By Iowa law, it is only used to maintain, repair and renovate college facilities — facilities necessary to support Southwestern’s mission of preparing students to enter the workforce or for transfer to a four-year college or university.