Westonka board adopts $22.68 million levy after Truth in Taxation hearing
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Summary
At its December meeting the Westonka Public School District approved a $22,682,000 levy for payable 2026, a 4.52% increase over the prior year, after a Truth in Taxation presentation and brief discussion about fund components and voter‑approved referenda that drive the change.
The Westonka Public School District board voted to adopt a proposed levy of $22,682,000 for taxes payable in 2026, the board chair announced after a public Truth in Taxation hearing at the December board meeting. The motion to adopt the 2025 payable‑2026 levy passed by voice vote.
District finance staff member Kathy opened the hearing with an explanation of the levy process, county notices and timelines and presented the district’s proposed totals. "The overall proposed levy is 22,682,000 or 4.52% over the prior school year," Kathy said, noting the district organizes levy dollars across three funds: general fund, community education and debt service.
Kathy told the board the proposed general fund levy is $13,552,000 and covers classroom instruction support, instructional supplies and other operating needs, including the local operating referendum. She said the district’s voter‑approved referenda and building bonds are the main drivers of the recent higher levy levels.
The community education levy was listed at $985,700 and supports early childhood family education, after‑school enrichment, adult‑disability programming and other community offerings; Kathy cited local counts used for levy calculations (2,331 adults; 65 children under 5). The proposed debt service levy of $8,144,000 is intended to cover principal and interest on outstanding district bonds.
Kathy reiterated that Hennepin County calculates proposed tax rates before property owners receive notices and that the district must certify its final levy after the hearing. The board approved the levy resolution by voice vote and will proceed with related bond‑sale actions on the January agenda as previously discussed.