Emmetsburg, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — Emmetsburg Community School District was hoping for a different outcome on the March 4th vote of a debt service levy limit increase. The measure failed to get the 60% voter approval to pass.

Superintendent Cory Jenness released a statement to Northwest Iowa Now saying … “I can tell you that results of the vote were disappointing, but the board remains optimistic that we can get things approved. The majority of voters are in favor of a new school, they simply don’t want to see their taxes increase. ”

On Tuesday, Emmetsburg residents voted on a measure to raise the district’s debt service levy limit to $4.05 per $1,000 of taxable property value.  While the proposed elementary school project would only require an estimated $1.85 per $1,000, state law mandates the $4.05 ceiling be on the ballot.

If the approval of the debt service levy had passed, the increase in March would not have immediately raised property taxes. A tax increase would only occur if a future general obligation bond referendum is approved by voters.

Jenness says the board will go back to the drawing board and continue to develop a plan that will be acceptable to the community.