2005 Truth in Taxation Report

The School Board approved a $27.2 million tax levy on December 14, 2004, for property taxes payable this year. The levy will generate dollars to be used for the 2005-2006 school year. While this represents an increase of 4.6 percent over the 2004 levy, it remains $17 million dollars less than the 2001 levy.

The main reason for the increase is the District’s request for $3.6 million in Alternative Facilities annual levy for deferred maintenance projects identified for 2005-2006. Projects include the library roof and windows at Mounds View High School and windows at Highview Middle School.

The $3.6 million increase is being offset with two decreases approved by the School Board. The Debt Service Fund had accumulated an excess fund balance allowing the School Board to pass along a one-time savings to citizens. The School Board also approved the use of $341,044 from the sale of District property at Snail Lake Landing to reduce the Debt Service Levy for 2005. This was to offset continuing leased instructional space for the Oak Grove program. The District did see a $6.3 million dollar increase in 2004 levy for the voter-approved operating referendum, but this amount continues to decline as enrollment declines. For more information, visit the Truth in Taxation Report 2005.