How do levies work?

Levy News For information on the 2010 levy, visit here.

In Minnesota, schools gain revenue from two primary sources: the state's Basic Revenue Allowance and through local property taxes. The county collects property taxes through a levy. These levies can take one of three forms.

1. Levies that occur without voter approval. These would include a crime levy, which can only be used for crime prevention staffing and training. Other examples are levies for health and safety, leases and alternative facilities.

2. A bond levy that requires voter approval through the referendum process. Bond levies raise money that can only be used for new construction or additions to school buildings. These funds cannot be used to run or operate schools.

3. An operating levy that requires voter approval through the referendum process. Operating levies provide money above the state allocation to be used for operational expenses such as staff salaries, supplies, heating expenses, transportation and co-curricular programs. These are the funds that it takes to run and operate schools.

How much am I paying in property taxes for schools?
Download A 10-minute guide to understanding property taxes and schools.

Who determines if voter-approval is necessary for a levy?
The State Legislature creates those laws and also establishes the maximum dollar amount and number of years that a levy can be applied.

What voter-approved levies are currently in place?
Timeline of levies