The expanded levy would generate nearly $4 million in additional funding for infrastructure projects. The shared superintendent between East Mills and Essex, said East Mills would use the money for reroofing its high school building and completing a geothermal heating system at its elementary building.

The PPEL dollars in Essex would pay for a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, estimated to cost $725,000, as well as replacing buses and updating the district’s technology. Essex would also collect the maximum of $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable valuation. For a residential property worth $100,000, that translates to an increase of up to $66.40 per year. For a commercial property, it would be $127.30, based on 2013 property tax rollbacks.

In both cases, the PPEL funds would be limited to infrastructure spending. For the Essex election, polls will be open noon to 8 p.m. at Essex City Hall, 412 Iowa Ave. Polls will also be open from noon to 8 p.m. for the East Mills special election. Residents of Emerson proper will vote at the Emerson Community Building, while Malvern residents vote at the Malvern Public Library, 502 Main St., and Hastings residents at the Indian Creek Museum, 59256 380th St.

Emerson voters will have a special city election to fill a council vacancy. East Mills voters will also choose between Bruce Breeding and Brenda Koger to fill an open spot on the school board.