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Lakeville board certifies pay-25 property-tax levy after Truth-in-Taxation hearing
Summary
Following a Truth-in-Taxation presentation and two public commenters, the Lakeville Public School District board voted to certify roughly a $78 million pay-25 levy, a year-over-year decrease of about $281,000 (~0.3%). District staff said the change reflects enrollment shifts and prior-year adjustments.
The Lakeville Public School District Board of Education voted Dec. 17 to certify the districtpay-25 property-tax levy after a Truth-in-Taxation presentation and public comment. District finance director Bill Holmgren told the board the districtlevy is about $78 million and that this year's levy is down roughly $281,000 — about a third of 1% — compared with the prior year. "So unless you have a huge change and you did something to your home that really increased its value, you will not see an increase from the school district," Holmgren said.
The hearing explained how state aid (calculated by the Minnesota Department of Education under state law), local operating levies and voter-approved referenda combine to fund district operations. Holmgren said the district's general fund makes up the majority of the budget (roughly $209 million was cited for the general fund) and that the district's fiscal year runs July through June. He also noted a long-term funding gap relative to inflation and persistent underfunding for special education at the state level, and described fund balances that grew from roughly $1 million to about $16 million over the past year.
Two residents spoke during public comment. Ben Pierce asked whether enrollment had increased this year (the district said enrollment growth has slowed and staff reported a smaller increase than in prior years) and suggested the district explore new community-education revenue models. "I've seen in the community ed guides, there's a few open gym sessions they had this fall...I think that's something that the district should do way more," Pierce said. Jay Olson asked for a per-pupil cost figure; Holmgren referred listeners to the district's annual report and summarized that, after combining state aid, operating levies and other streams, the district spends roughly $10,000 per pupil across funding streams.
After the public-comment period, Director Kelleher moved to certify the levy as presented by Holmgren; Director Carly Anderson seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote (reported 5-0). District staff said debt-service payments for the coming year are about $22.6 million. Holmgren urged residents who have questions about their individual tax bills to review the county tax statement and the district's online materials.
The board's certification completes the district's Truth-in-Taxation obligation for taxes payable in 2025; any taxpayer questions about city or county portions of the bill remain with those jurisdictions.
