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Board holds levy hearing; presenter outlines 6.25% increase and final dollar figure to be certified
Summary
At a truth-in-taxation hearing, staff detailed levy-category changes driven by enrollment and program shifts and presented a proposed total levy increase of about 6.25%, with a final amount to be certified of $2,596,154.70. Trustees discussed the formula allowance and publication requirements.
The St Clair County Schools board convened a truth-in-taxation levy hearing for the 2025 payable 2026 tax year, during which district staff reviewed levy categories and the assumptions behind the proposed increase.
Presenter Speaker 4 said many levy changes are driven by adjusted pupil-unit estimates and enrollment-finalization adjustments. He explained that certain Career & Technical Education program expenditures (ag, industrial tech) that had been state-aid funded are now levy-funded, and that lease-levy increases reflect newly included CCD building rental fees for preschool and Kids' Connection programs.
Speaker 4 summarized line items and fund effects: "the general fund increased by 11.94%, or $172,959," and the community service fund fell about 50% due to a prior-year ECFE adjustment. He reported the total levy increase is about 6.25% (approximately $152,702) and presented the final dollar amount the board expected to certify: $2,596,154.70.
Board members asked clarifying questions about a graphic showing funding trailing inflation. Speaker 4 clarified the chart shows the state formula allowance per pupil would be about $1,470 more if funding had kept pace with inflation since 2003; he emphasized that figure refers to the state formula allowance, not the district levy.
Staff noted statutory and procedural publication requirements: the budget summary will be posted and advertised per Minnesota Department of Education guidance and Department of Revenue materials included on the levy documents. The board discussed and tentatively moved forward with certification procedures and associated appointments/services required for finalization.
The board did not finalize every administrative detail at the hearing; staff will post the required notice and the board will certify the levy in accordance with statutory timelines.
