Mahtomedi School Board approves preliminary levy at maximum for taxes payable 2026

The Independent School District 832 (Mahtomedi Public Schools) School Board voted Sept. 22 to approve the preliminary levy at the maximum amount allowed for taxes payable in 2026, a procedural move intended to preserve the districts ability to adjust after final state and county figures are received.

The board's action follows a detailed presentation by Finance Director Tim Erickson, who outlined the levy process, required deadlines and the difference between voter-approved levies and discretionary levies. Erickson told the board the preliminary levy covers taxes payable in 2026 and funds the 2026-27 fiscal year. He emphasized the September 30 deadline to certify a preliminary levy with the county auditor and noted subsequent steps that include truth-in-taxation hearings and final levy adoption in December.

The board chair moved for approval of the preliminary levy "at the maximum," and the motion passed. Board members also discussed a sample tax impact using Washington County's tax calculator: for the district's median-valued home ($531,500 under the county estimate used), the district portion of annual taxes under the preliminary levy scenario was shown as $25.08, roughly $27 more than the previous year under the assumptions presented.

Erickson explained that the 39-page levy document requires multiple runs and adjustments, and that some levy categories include state aid while others do not. He said the district often levies to the maximum in the preliminary stage to avoid being unable to recover later if late state or county figures increase required amounts. The board discussed that the preliminary numbers are estimates and that final, dollar-specific approval will occur in December after state and county data are finalized.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to amend the agenda to table items 11(c) and 11(d) and add item 10(b) (superintendent evaluation summary): approved (mover: Director Regan; second: Director Whitson). The board voted to amend before proceeding with the meeting.

- Approval of the consent agenda: approved (mover: Director Peterson; second: Director Dohmen). No substantive discussion recorded.

- Approval of donations and grants for August 2025 totaling $4,313: approved (mover: Director Dohmen; second: Director Whitson). The board said the funds would be used according to donor wishes.

- Approval of the 2025 (payable 2026) preliminary levy at the maximum: approved. (Motion recorded and passed; final levy dollar amounts will be adopted in December.)

Why it matters

Preliminary-levy approval at the maximum is a common district practice that protects the board from under-levying before certain state or county data are available. Final impacts on taxpayers depend on later adjustments, including finalized market values, state aid determinations and any decisions the board makes in December. The board emphasized it will revisit and set a dollar-specific final levy at the required December meeting, after truth-in-taxation steps and required state submissions.

Background and context

Erickson reviewed levy categories the district uses: voter-approved levies (operating referendums, capital projects) and discretionary levies (long-term facilities, safe schools, lease levies). He noted the homestead market value exclusion threshold referenced for some tax calculations and explained that different classes of property are treated differently under state formulas. The district's finance staff will finalize numbers as the state Department of Education and the county supply final inputs.

Next steps

The board will hold a truth-in-taxation hearing and is scheduled to adopt the final levy in December. Superintendent Dufferin and finance staff will return with updated figures once MDE, the Department of Revenue and Washington County provide final data.

Acknowledgments

Board members and staff thanked audiences and volunteers during the meeting for other agenda items (recognitions and reports).