TRUMAN — A vote to renew a Truman Public School operating levy passed Tuesday.

The vote took place by mail ballot this year. Two questions were on the ballot. The first asked if the levy should be renewed and the second asked for approval of additional levy value.

The first vote passed 438-179. The second passed 356-246.

The levy is for $852 per student. Of that amount, voters needed to renew $128. The Legislature allows the district the remaining $724 in local optional revenue. With the passing of the second vote, an additional $204 per pupil will be generated. The levy will be in place for 10 years.

School board member Debbie Neitzke explained that the funds will let the district continue on its path to financial health while also allowing continued technology and curriculum upgrades.

The levy was set to expire in 2021 but the school district went out for it two years early because of its financial situation. The district also has two other referendums in place, with one expiring in 2026 and the other in 2028.

Property taxes will go up slightly with the passing of the referendum. On a house in Truman with a market value of $75,000, property taxes will increase by about $34.

Superintendent Lisa Shellum said she was amazed and thankful for the support shown by the communities the district serves.

The ballots were totaled Tuesday evening by three election judges hired by the school district.