The Faribault Public School District board voted Dec. 1 to approve the 2025 payable 2026 property tax levy certification, adopting a recommended levy of $12,064,410.59 after a Truth in Taxation presentation and public comment.

Finance presenter Raesler told the board that district funding sources include state, local and federal dollars and that state funding remains the largest source. "78% of our dollars come from the state, 15% from local property tax," Raesler said during the presentation, and she recommended the board approve the levy to be certified for collection in 2026.

Raesler walked the board through key budget figures, saying the per‑pupil formula allowance is $7,481 and is about $1,470 below a level that would track with inflation (roughly 19.7%). She reported FY25 total revenues at about $79,000,009.24 and projected FY26 revenues of $80,308,228. The district proposed reducing the general fund levy by 4.28% and showed a total proposed property tax decrease of $273,662, or 2.22%, from the prior year.

Public comment included remarks from taxpayer Tom Malin, who said rising property valuations are hitting residents on fixed incomes. "For people who are on fixed incomes, the effect is devastating," Malin said, urging the board to plan for tougher economic times ahead.

Board members discussed the size of the decrease and broader taxing authority in the area. Director Moore said she was conflicted about the certification and announced an abstention when the board took the vote. The motion to certify the levy was moved by Director Robichaud and seconded by Director Boudreau; the board recorded 6 ayes, 0 nays and 1 abstention and carried the motion.

Votes at a glance

- 2025 payable 2026 levy certification: Moved by Director Robichaud; seconded by Director Boudreau; recorded vote 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstention; outcome: approved.
- Resolution 26‑07 (establish combined polling places): approved by roll call 7‑0.
- Changes to non‑affiliated administrative employment agreements (2025–2027): approved after roll call; one director recused and at least one opposing vote was recorded; outcome: approved.

What happens next

The board certified the levy for collection in 2026; the county auditor will divide the final levy for property tax statements and the district will recognize the revenue in fiscal year 2027. The board also approved election‑related housekeeping (Resolution 26‑07) and changes to an administrative employment agreement during the same meeting.