Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Levy Certification topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Albert Lea board certifies preliminary 2025 levy at maximum; board votes 7-0
Summary
The school board approved a preliminary levy for 25 pay 26 at the maximum authority, a proposed levy of $10,461,564 representing a $664,110 (6.78%) increase; the vote was unanimous 7-0 and the final levy will be certified after a December truth-in-taxation hearing.
The Albert Lea Public School District school board voted unanimously (7-0) to certify a preliminary levy for 25 pay 26 at the maximum levy authority, district staff said. The preliminary proposed levy reported to the board was $10,461,564, an increase of $664,110 from the prior year and a 6.78 percent increase on the levy line shown in the preliminary report.
Finance staff member Paul Durbin (presenting the levy materials) told the board the levy numbers are preliminary and tied to state formulas, property values and enrollment counts. He explained that Minnesota—s levy process uses adjusted pupil units (APUs) calculated from average daily membership (ADM) and that MDE—s MARS reporting provides final enrollment numbers that can change the amounts between the preliminary and final levy.
Durbin walked the board through components affecting the district—s revenue picture: rising local property values (referendum market value and net tax capacity), projected modest enrollment declines, and scheduled changes in long-term debt-service payments that stage larger payments for a 2018 voter-approved borrowing as older bonds roll off. He said the district was not asking for new voter-approved revenue and that the proposed shift in levy composition reflects mechanics of the debt schedule and statutory formulas.
Board members asked technical questions about formulas, the interaction of levy and state aid, and the practical effect on taxpayers. Durbin cautioned the numbers could change before the district certifies a final levy in December and offered to meet with board members or constituents who want property-specific projections.
Motion and vote
A motion to certify the preliminary 25 pay 26 levy at the district—s maximum levy authority was made and seconded; the board approved it on a voice and roll call that the chair summarized as unanimous. The clerk will transmit the certified preliminary levy to the county auditor and MDE; the board will hold a truth-in-taxation hearing in December before adopting a final levy.
Ending
Board members and staff emphasized the preliminary nature of the numbers and the upcoming December process. Durbin and other staff said they will return with any corrected figures and further detail at the truth-in-taxation hearing.
