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Board discusses extending 2015 operating levy and options for additional referendum funding
Summary
Board members debated whether to use board authority to extend the district’s 2015 operating levy, and whether to place a multi‑question referendum on the ballot asking for additional operating revenue (models examined: $4M, $6M, $8M). Several board members urged prompt action before June 15; no binding referendum resolution was adopted May 12.
Farmington Public School District trustees spent substantial time May 12 reviewing financial models for extending the district’s existing 2015 operating levy and for asking voters for additional operating revenue.
Administration presented budget models showing that if the board does not act to extend the 2015 levy, the district would face an approximately $2.9 million deficit in 2025–26 that would jump to roughly $8.7 million the next year. Options presented for an additional voter‑approved operating referendum included roughly $4 million, $6 million or $8 million increments, with estimated monthly impacts shown for a $350,000 home.
Board members expressed differing preferences but broad agreement on two points: the district should either exercise board authority to extend the 2015 levy before the June 15 administrative deadline or ask voters in the fall, and the district also should consider asking for additional revenue beyond the 2015 levy. Trustee Maggie said she would favor $6 million as the safest option. “I would also favor that we go out for additional revenue. The number that I feel like would be the safest for the health and security of our district would be the $6,000,000,” Maggie said. Trustee Diana said she supports asking for $8 million to provide long‑term stability: “I would be supportive of asking for the $8,000,000 for the reason of the duration of the levy, the 10 years.”
Administrators reviewed tax‑impact examples: an additional $4 million would cost about $23.24 per month on a $350,000 home, $6 million about $35.36 per month, and $8 million about $47 per month. The presentation noted debt service falling off in future years that would lower taxpayers’ overall burden after the first year.
No final resolution to extend the existing levy or to call a special election was approved at the meeting. Multiple board members urged the board to place an extension resolution and a referendum question(s) on the May agenda for a timely decision; administration said the board has until June 15 to exercise its one‑time authority to extend the 2015 levy without a public vote.
Board members also emphasized outreach: public engagement, listening sessions and clearer messaging will be needed if the board moves toward a fall referendum.
