Over $1.5 billion in bond referendums on ballots across Iowa
Over $1.5 billion in bond referendums on ballots across Iowa
vlog EIGHT NEWS AT SIX STARTS NOW. NEW AT SIX BOND PROPOSALS GO BEFORE VOTERS ON NOVEMBER 4TH. THAT’S LESS THAN TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY. AND THOSE BALLOT MEASURES, IF PASSED, MATTERED FOR YOUR PROPERTY TAX BILL. vlog CHIEF INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER SUZANNE BENKE EXPLAINS WHAT THIS MEANS FOR VOTERS. BOND REFERENDUM IS A FANCY WAY OF SAYING A LOCAL GOVERNMENT BODY IS ASKING FOR VOTERS TO FUND A BIG TICKET ITEM, LIKE A NEW BUILDING, UPGRADES TO FACILITIES OR OTHER THINGS. THEY’RE ASKING FOR THEM TO PAY MORE IN PROPERTY TAXES. MOST LIKELY, THERE ARE DOZENS OF THESE BOND PROPOSALS GOING BEFORE VOTERS ON NOVEMBER 4TH. THE TOTAL ASK ACROSS IOWA, $1.6 BILLION. WE ASKED IOWANS FOR TAX RELIEF WHAT ARE CONSIDERATIONS FOR IOWANS AHEAD OF THE ELECTION AND IN SEPARATING THE WANTS VERSUS THE NEEDS? IF SOMETHING NEEDS TO HAPPEN, THEN THEN VOTERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THAT AND THAT THAT OBVIOUSLY MAY QUALIFY FOR VOTING FOR A BOND. 55 ISSUES WILL GO BEFORE VOTERS. SOME WILL BE FAMILIAR SAYS IOWANS FOR TAX RELIEF PRESIDENT CHRIS. WE’VE SEEN 18 PROJECTS THAT ARE THE SAME, SOME A LITTLE BIGGER, SOME A LITTLE SMALLER FROM THAT HAD BEEN VOTED DOWN A YEAR BEFORE. ONE OF THOSE REPEATERS IS IN DALLAS COUNTY. ENOUGH VOTERS DIDN’T SAY YES FOR THAT BOND REFERENDUM TO MEET THE 60% APPROVAL NEEDED IN 2024, THE CRIMINAL COURT BUILDING IS NOW GOING AGAIN BEFORE VOTERS ON NOVEMBER 4TH. THIS TIME, THE PRICE TAG HAS GONE UP TO $60.3 MILLION. THESE BOND ELECTIONS, THESE BOND DECISIONS ARE IN LARGE PART DRIVING THE INCREASE YEAR OVER YEAR IN PROPERTY TAX BURDEN. AND WE THINK THAT MANY TIMES, ASKING JUST THE SAME QUESTION AGAIN AND AGAIN IS TONE DEAF TO THOSE VOTERS THAT ARE REPEATEDLY EXPRESSED GREAT FRUSTRATION WITH THEIR PROPERTY TAX BURDEN. GOVERNOR KIM REYNOLDS HAS SAID PROPERTY TAX RELIEF WILL BE A PRIORITY FOR HER. IN HER LAST LEGISLATIVE SESSION. THAT’S ALSO WHAT SHE HEARS FROM IOWANS. IOWANS ACROSS THE STATE ARE HAVING TO MAKE REAL, TOUGH DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR OWN PERSONAL BUDGET OF SEPARATING THE WANTS FROM THE NEEDS IN WHAT, FOR MANY PEOPLE, IS A DIFFICULT ECONOMY. SUZANN
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Over $1.5 billion in bond referendums on ballots across Iowa
There are 55 bond proposals going before Iowa voters on Nov. 4, 2025, for a total of $1.6 billion, according to Iowans for Tax Relief.Scroll through the list below to see details about each bond issue, 18 of which have been on ballots before. Iowa bond referendums on Nov. 4, 2025 ballot AGWSR Community School District: $12,765,000Remodel high school science and family/consumer science classrooms; update HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing; build a multipurpose activities/recess facility; add a bus barn.Ankeny Community School District: $130,000,000Build an Innovation Center at Northview Middle School; add an athletic center and fine arts addition at the high school; remodel the high school to increase capacity with more science classrooms; improve baseball/softball fields and Ankeny Stadium.Aplington-Parkersburg Community School District: $16,300,000Add secure entrances and remodel buildings with HVAC, electrical, and mechanical upgrades.Atlantic Community School District: $22,500,000Add classrooms at elementary and high schools; build a secure entrance, skybridge, and commons; remodel high school areas.Atlantic Community School District: $18,500,000 (revenue bond)Build a new multipurpose indoor practice facility/fieldhouse at the high school.Bedford Community School District: $11,500,000Build a competition gym and add a loading dock to the existing K–12 facility.Belle Plaine Community School District: $7,950,000Expand elementary with a cafeteria, entrance, and storage areas; add a gym with walking track, weight room, concessions, and related spaces at the secondary building.Cedar Rapids Community School District: $117,000,000Renovations and improvements to McKinley, Wilson (convert to elementary), and Roosevelt middle schools, and add Freshman Academy and expand commons and kitchen at Kennedy high school.Central City Community School District: $7,000,000New secure entrance for the elementary school and remodeling or repairs to elementary, middle, high school, multipurpose, and preschool buildings.Charles City Community School District: $30,000,000Reconstruct parts of the high school to meet safety, security, building code, and ADA requirements; complete other renovations.City of Alta: $12,500,000Build a new municipal library.City of Ames: $10,500,000Build a new fire station to replace the existing Fire Station #2.City of Bettendorf: $27,000,000Build a new police station.City of Camanche: $4,200,000Expand and renovate the municipal library.City of Decorah: $1,300,000Renovate and make structural improvements to the municipal library.City of Decorah: $18,880,000Construct or expand municipal buildings for fire, city hall, and/or parks and recreation.City of Greenfield: $1,000,000Build a new municipal swimming pool.City of Le Mars: $16,000,000Build a new municipal firehouse.City of Monroe: $1,450,000Build or remodel City Hall and the Police Department.City of Riverside: $8,000,000Build a new community center/fitness facility.Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District: $88,000,000Add to high school, middle school, and elementary buildings; upgrade safety and security systems; improve playgrounds; renovate Oak View athletic facility; add new building and parking.Dallas County: $60,300,000Design and build a new criminal court building.Des Moines Independent Community School District: $265,000,000Build and remodel schools across the district to expand career and technical education, add preschool capacity, and reduce class sizes.WATCH: Des Moines Public Schools to form oversight committee for 'Reimagining Education' initiativeDubuque Community School District: $70,000,000Build a new middle school (with revenue bonds) and demolish the old one.East Marshall Community School District: $19,800,000Add gyms, classrooms, restrooms, district offices, and HVAC improvements to school buildings.Easton Valley Community School District: $6,950,000Build a new high school gym and locker room; remodel corridors, restrooms, and other facilities.Emmetsburg Community School District: $25,620,000Build a new elementary school (with revenue bonds); demolish part of existing school and improve the remaining portion.Fairfield Community School District: $39,500,000Build a new middle school.Fort Dodge Community School District: $42,040,000Remodel the senior high school: demolish current weight room and garages; build a new Fine Arts building with restrooms and weight room; update and renovate the pool.Gladbrook-Reinbeck Community School District: $17,300,000Build a classroom addition to the junior high/high school.Hinton Community School District: $8,900,000Add classrooms to the PK–3 elementary school; remodel middle and high school buildings.Interstate 35 Community School District: $12,800,000 Reconfigure academic spaces; upgrade HVAC, mechanical systems, and exterior; build a new stadium, track, and parking; demolish existing stadium/track; build a new access road for the campus.IKM-Manning Community School District: $19,800,000Add classrooms, secure entrances, common areas, HVAC, and track and field improvements to the 4–12 building.Independence Community School District: $34,710,000Build additions to East and West Elementary Schools, including demolition and reconstruction.Iowa Central Community College: $35,000,000Build new facilities for education and workforce training.Iowa Western Community College: $55,000,000Build a new Career and Technical Education facility (automotive/diesel mechanic, CDL, logistics); expand existing buildings for HVAC, plumbing, welding, electrical, and construction technology.Knoxville Community School District: $12,400,000Build a new elementary school on the Veterans District site.Lawton-Bronson Community School District: $13,500,000Add to the junior high/high school, including auditorium, band/choir room, wrestling room, and classrooms.Louisa Muscatine Community School District: $8,895,000Build an addition to the junior/senior high school for a competition gym, locker rooms, and related spaces.Mediapolis Community School District: $8,550,000Build a career and technical education center and greenhouse; remodel the practice field and entryway; upgrade parking.Montezuma Community School District: $6,250,000Remodel school building (roof, locker rooms, classrooms, restrooms); build new track concessions, restrooms, softball field, and playground.Murray Community School District: $2,700,000Build a classroom addition and remodel the existing school with improvements.North Cedar Community School District: $18,900,000Build a new gymnasium/auditorium addition; demolish and rebuild part of the elementary school.Northeast Community School District: $13,500,000Build and equip new Career and Technical Education spaces at the middle/high school; remodel with HVAC, electrical, fire alarm, restroom, and strength/conditioning upgrades.Panorama Community School District: $19,600,000Build a competition gym; add classrooms, secure entrances, and common areas to elementary and secondary schools; upgrade roofing and playgrounds.Sac County: $12,500,000Build a new county jail and updated law enforcement facility.Sigourney Community School District: $9,900,000Remodel junior/senior high school with HVAC, fire alarm, plumbing, and security upgrades.South Winneshiek Community School District: $13,000,000Add classrooms, cafeteria, modern library/learning center, and competition gym to high school (with revenue bonds); remove older part of school; convert weight room to STEAM classroom; add new main entrance.Southeast Polk Community School District: $51,000,000Build a new elementary school; remodel junior high; improve playgrounds at all elementary schools.Starmont Community School District: $9,800,000Upgrade HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems in the school.Sumner-Fredericksburg Community School District: $16,250,000Add to high school and middle school buildings (with revenue bonds), including HVAC, playground, and parking; demolish an elementary school.Union Community School District: $18,500,000Improve mechanical and fire alarm systems at the elementary school; remodel portions of the high school and middle school; add to the high school; build a bus barn.West Des Moines Community School District: $135,000,000Update all district buildings, with an emphasis on schools and learning spaces, such as classrooms; build a new multipurpose student activities facility; improve playgrounds; build a mid-size auditorium; add new track and field; upgrade technology at performing arts center; build band/equipment storage at Valley Stadium.West Marshall Community School District: $14,000,000Add new K–5 classrooms to the elementary school (with revenue bonds); demolish existing grades 4–5 building; add connection between middle and high schools; build a career/technical classroom.Williamsburg Community School District: $7,945,000Expand junior/senior high school for industrial technology, agriculture, and family/consumer science programs; remodel portions of existing buildings; improve parking.Source: Iowans for Tax Relief
There are 55 bond proposals going before Iowa voters on Nov. 4, 2025, for a total of $1.6 billion, according to Iowans for Tax Relief.
Scroll through the list below to see details about each bond issue, 18 of which have been on ballots before.
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Iowa bond referendums on Nov. 4, 2025 ballot
AGWSR Community School District: $12,765,000
- Remodel high school science and family/consumer science classrooms; update HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing; build a multipurpose activities/recess facility; add a bus barn.
Ankeny Community School District: $130,000,000
- Build an Innovation Center at Northview Middle School; add an athletic center and fine arts addition at the high school; remodel the high school to increase capacity with more science classrooms; improve baseball/softball fields and Ankeny Stadium.
Aplington-Parkersburg Community School District: $16,300,000
- Add secure entrances and remodel buildings with HVAC, electrical, and mechanical upgrades.
Atlantic Community School District: $22,500,000
- Add classrooms at elementary and high schools; build a secure entrance, skybridge, and commons; remodel high school areas.
Atlantic Community School District: $18,500,000 (revenue bond)
- Build a new multipurpose indoor practice facility/fieldhouse at the high school.
Bedford Community School District: $11,500,000
- Build a competition gym and add a loading dock to the existing K–12 facility.
Belle Plaine Community School District: $7,950,000
- Expand elementary with a cafeteria, entrance, and storage areas; add a gym with walking track, weight room, concessions, and related spaces at the secondary building.
Cedar Rapids Community School District: $117,000,000
- Renovations and improvements to McKinley, Wilson (convert to elementary), and Roosevelt middle schools, and add Freshman Academy and expand commons and kitchen at Kennedy high school.
Central City Community School District: $7,000,000
- New secure entrance for the elementary school and remodeling or repairs to elementary, middle, high school, multipurpose, and preschool buildings.
Charles City Community School District: $30,000,000
- Reconstruct parts of the high school to meet safety, security, building code, and ADA requirements; complete other renovations.
City of Alta: $12,500,000
- Build a new municipal library.
City of Ames: $10,500,000
- Build a new fire station to replace the existing Fire Station #2.
City of Bettendorf: $27,000,000
- Build a new police station.
City of Camanche: $4,200,000
- Expand and renovate the municipal library.
City of Decorah: $1,300,000
- Renovate and make structural improvements to the municipal library.
City of Decorah: $18,880,000
- Construct or expand municipal buildings for fire, city hall, and/or parks and recreation.
City of Greenfield: $1,000,000
- Build a new municipal swimming pool.
City of Le Mars: $16,000,000
- Build a new municipal firehouse.
City of Monroe: $1,450,000
- Build or remodel City Hall and the Police Department.
City of Riverside: $8,000,000
- Build a new community center/fitness facility.
Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District: $88,000,000
- Add to high school, middle school, and elementary buildings; upgrade safety and security systems; improve playgrounds; renovate Oak View athletic facility; add new building and parking.
Dallas County: $60,300,000
- Design and build a new criminal court building.
Des Moines Independent Community School District: $265,000,000
- Build and remodel schools across the district to expand career and technical education, add preschool capacity, and reduce class sizes.
WATCH: Des Moines Public Schools to form oversight committee for 'Reimagining Education' initiative
Dubuque Community School District: $70,000,000
- Build a new middle school (with revenue bonds) and demolish the old one.
East Marshall Community School District: $19,800,000
- Add gyms, classrooms, restrooms, district offices, and HVAC improvements to school buildings.
Easton Valley Community School District: $6,950,000
- Build a new high school gym and locker room; remodel corridors, restrooms, and other facilities.
Emmetsburg Community School District: $25,620,000
- Build a new elementary school (with revenue bonds); demolish part of existing school and improve the remaining portion.
Fairfield Community School District: $39,500,000
- Build a new middle school.
Fort Dodge Community School District: $42,040,000
- Remodel the senior high school: demolish current weight room and garages; build a new Fine Arts building with restrooms and weight room; update and renovate the pool.
Gladbrook-Reinbeck Community School District: $17,300,000
- Build a classroom addition to the junior high/high school.
Hinton Community School District: $8,900,000
- Add classrooms to the PK–3 elementary school; remodel middle and high school buildings.
Interstate 35 Community School District: $12,800,000
- Reconfigure academic spaces; upgrade HVAC, mechanical systems, and exterior; build a new stadium, track, and parking; demolish existing stadium/track; build a new access road for the campus.
IKM-Manning Community School District: $19,800,000
- Add classrooms, secure entrances, common areas, HVAC, and track and field improvements to the 4–12 building.
Independence Community School District: $34,710,000
- Build additions to East and West Elementary Schools, including demolition and reconstruction.
Iowa Central Community College: $35,000,000
- Build new facilities for education and workforce training.
Iowa Western Community College: $55,000,000
- Build a new Career and Technical Education facility (automotive/diesel mechanic, CDL, logistics); expand existing buildings for HVAC, plumbing, welding, electrical, and construction technology.
Knoxville Community School District: $12,400,000
- Build a new elementary school on the Veterans District site.
Lawton-Bronson Community School District: $13,500,000
- Add to the junior high/high school, including auditorium, band/choir room, wrestling room, and classrooms.
Louisa Muscatine Community School District: $8,895,000
- Build an addition to the junior/senior high school for a competition gym, locker rooms, and related spaces.
Mediapolis Community School District: $8,550,000
- Build a career and technical education center and greenhouse; remodel the practice field and entryway; upgrade parking.
Montezuma Community School District: $6,250,000
- Remodel school building (roof, locker rooms, classrooms, restrooms); build new track concessions, restrooms, softball field, and playground.
Murray Community School District: $2,700,000
- Build a classroom addition and remodel the existing school with improvements.
North Cedar Community School District: $18,900,000
- Build a new gymnasium/auditorium addition; demolish and rebuild part of the elementary school.
Northeast Community School District: $13,500,000
- Build and equip new Career and Technical Education spaces at the middle/high school; remodel with HVAC, electrical, fire alarm, restroom, and strength/conditioning upgrades.
Panorama Community School District: $19,600,000
- Build a competition gym; add classrooms, secure entrances, and common areas to elementary and secondary schools; upgrade roofing and playgrounds.
Sac County: $12,500,000
- Build a new county jail and updated law enforcement facility.
Sigourney Community School District: $9,900,000
- Remodel junior/senior high school with HVAC, fire alarm, plumbing, and security upgrades.
South Winneshiek Community School District: $13,000,000
- Add classrooms, cafeteria, modern library/learning center, and competition gym to high school (with revenue bonds); remove older part of school; convert weight room to STEAM classroom; add new main entrance.
Southeast Polk Community School District: $51,000,000
- Build a new elementary school; remodel junior high; improve playgrounds at all elementary schools.
Starmont Community School District: $9,800,000
- Upgrade HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems in the school.
Sumner-Fredericksburg Community School District: $16,250,000
- Add to high school and middle school buildings (with revenue bonds), including HVAC, playground, and parking; demolish an elementary school.
Union Community School District: $18,500,000
- Improve mechanical and fire alarm systems at the elementary school; remodel portions of the high school and middle school; add to the high school; build a bus barn.
West Des Moines Community School District: $135,000,000
- Update all district buildings, with an emphasis on schools and learning spaces, such as classrooms; build a new multipurpose student activities facility; improve playgrounds; build a mid-size auditorium; add new track and field; upgrade technology at performing arts center; build band/equipment storage at Valley Stadium.
West Marshall Community School District: $14,000,000
- Add new K–5 classrooms to the elementary school (with revenue bonds); demolish existing grades 4–5 building; add connection between middle and high schools; build a career/technical classroom.
Williamsburg Community School District: $7,945,000
- Expand junior/senior high school for industrial technology, agriculture, and family/consumer science programs; remodel portions of existing buildings; improve parking.
Source: Iowans for Tax Relief
