Shakopee school board approves $46.887 million levy after Truth in Taxation hearing

The Shakopee Public School District Board of Education held its statutory Truth in Taxation hearing Dec. 16 and approved a final property tax levy of $46,887,306.25 for taxes payable in 2025.

Board Chair Jeff Smith opened the hearing and invited the district’s finance staff to present. Natalie Ditter, financial services supervisor, and Annie Baron, controller, reviewed the district’s fiscal highlights, including an unmodified audit opinion for year ending June 30, 2024, an improved credit rating and a general fund unassigned balance near the board policy target of 8–12 percent. Ditter said the district will submit the approved levy to state and county officials for certification.

The presentation noted the district’s gross levy across general, community service and debt service funds is down slightly from the prior year and highlighted drivers of year-to-year levy changes: local market value changes (home improvements), changes in property class rates, voter-approved referendums, district debt and state adjustments. A slide in the presentation showed a small dollar decrease compared with the prior year; staff explained changes in the debt service fund reflect principal payments made earlier in the calendar year.

The board then took up a resolution formally setting the levy. Board Member Chad Aldrich moved to approve the 2024 levy for collection in 2025; Board Member Tim Brophy seconded. A roll call showed Johnson, Valdez, Brophy, Peterson, Smith, Aldrich and Mohammed voting yes; the resolution passed. District staff will certify the levy amount to the Scott County auditor as required by Minnesota Statute 275.065.

Why it matters: the levy dollar figure determines the portion of local property taxes that will be attributed to district operations, community service and debt service for 2025 and triggers required state/county certification and public notice processes.

Details and next steps: the finance presentation indicated an overall proposed levy reduction in dollar terms compared with the prior year, with community service levies rising (driven by a recent program census) and debt service down after early principal payments. If certified, the levy will be processed through the usual county/state channels; staff noted the slide deck and statutory script followed Minnesota Statute 275.065’s Truth in Taxation requirements.

Votes at a glance: Resolution to certify levy of $46,887,306.25 — motion Aldrich, second Brophy — vote: unanimous (7–0) — outcome: approved. The clerk will certify to Scott County.