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Monticello board approves preliminary levy, readies operating referendum for Nov. 4
Summary
The Monticello School Board on Sept. 22 certified a preliminary property tax levy to the maximum and heard staff briefings on an operating referendum to appear on the Nov. 4 ballot; district leaders outlined timeline, estimated tax impacts and potential budget cuts if voters reject the measure.
The Monticello School Board voted Sept. 22 to certify its preliminary property tax levy to the maximum while staff prepared an operating referendum for the Nov. 4 ballot.
Director of Business Services Tina Burkholder told the board the district's preliminary levy is “going down 2%, $328,000 overall,” but said some cost lines — including unemployment insurance and retiree benefits — are rising. Burkholder and their financial adviser, Ehlers, walked the board through an operating referendum question that would replace a $775-per-pupil levy with $1,550 per pupil and described how that change would flow to taxpayers and the district's budget.
The board was briefed on schedule and impact: if voters approve the question Nov. 4, the district would certify the final levy in December and the additional revenue would begin to appear in fiscal year 2026–27 (district accounting for tax receipts begins in 2026). Burkholder said the referendum wording and tax calculations are governed by state requirements and that the district must finalize legal language with counsel before printing.
The superintendent framed the referendum within the district's broader strategy. Superintendent Eric Olsen said the levy work ties to board priorities and community outreach and noted the district will run a multi-tiered engagement plan ahead of the election. Olsen said the district will produce informational materials, videos and town-hall style events to explain the request.
Board members repeatedly asked for clear, multi-year fiscal scenarios and more longitudinal student data to help frame the ask. Board member Mark Branson noted the referendum is one of the few local tools available to offset per-pupil revenue shortfalls.
During discussion, Burkholder clarified the financial stakes if the referendum fails: “So just to clarify, we would cut $2,000,000 going into next year and $6,000,000 the year after if it doesn't pass,” she said, noting that unapproved asks would force program reductions.
The board approved the preliminary levy as presented by motion of Mark Branson, seconded by Jeff Hegley; the motion passed 6–0.
What the board requested next: district staff said they will publish a tax-impact calculator and market-value examples on the district website, continue community events, and finalize legal referendum language in coming weeks. The board signaled it plans additional data briefings during work sessions before the election.
Votes and next steps: The referendum will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot if the board proceeds with the public-engagement and legal steps outlined; the district emphasized that passage would restore and expand general operating revenue, while defeat would require multi-million-dollar cuts in subsequent budgets.
