Ames Chamber, AEDC support DMACC Levies

Dear Community:

On Tuesday, September 10, voters throughout Story County will go to the polls to elect school board members for their respective communities. In addition, voters will be asked to vote on two important levies that significantly impact Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC).

The Ames Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) and Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC) boards of directors have reviewed the upcoming ballot issues for DMACC. We are pleased to pledge our support to both DMACC public measures that will be placed on the ballot next Tuesday.

The two levies are:

20 ¼ Mill Levy – The 20 ¼ or Plant Levy is used to renovate existing campuses and facilities. It represents 20.25 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation on both commercial and residential property.

Six Cent Levy – This funds educational equipment for career, technical, science and educational programs. It represents six cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation on both commercial and residential property.

These two levies have been in place for years. This is not a tax increase - The voters of Story County are simply being asked to approve the continuation of these levies. 

Levy revenue benefits all DMACC locations including our own DMACC Career Academy, Hunziker Center in Ames. 

DMACC represents a path to a new and better life for many students. With more than 150 programs, transfer degrees and short-term certificates, DMACC helps fuel virtually every sector of the Central Iowa economy. Ninety-five percent of DMACC graduates stay here in Central Iowa which means our investment in DMACC generates great returns in the form of self-sufficient, tax-paying citizens that help our local economy thrive.

DMACC’s programs also support business growth. DMACC works with area companies to provide answers to specific training needs. Often DMACC is uniquely positioned to provide that training, especially technical and trade skills. In addition, DMACC programs have also linked unemployed or underemployed workers with skills that allow them to transition into employment and self-sufficiency.

DMACC has kept their quality education affordable thanks to these two levies. By continuing to support these levies, we give students throughout our community and Central Iowa the opportunity to continue their educational pursuits.

The choice is clear. September 10 is an opportunity for citizens throughout Ames and Story County to show their support of DMACC and continue these two tax levies. Exercise your right to vote and VOTE YES on September 10.

This letter was submitted jointly by Ames Chamber of Commerce Chair, Brian Dieter and the Ames Economic Development Commission Chair, Matt Converse.