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Saint Paul levy briefing: proposed payable‑2026 levy $253.7M; board hears resident opposition at Truth‑in‑Taxation hearing
Summary
At a Truth‑in‑Taxation hearing, district staff presented the proposed payable‑2026 levy of $253,732,386, explained how the November voter‑approved referendum increased the total, and said the median homeowner would pay about $291 more annually; two public speakers urged the board to reduce the certified levy and questioned administrative costs.
District finance staff briefed the Board on Dec. 2 during the Truth‑in‑Taxation hearing about the proposed payable‑2026 levy and the drivers behind it. Chief Sager said the district’s general fund is about $731 million, with property taxes accounting for roughly 21 percent of revenue. He presented a proposed payable‑2026 levy total of $253,732,386 and said the difference from the preliminary levy — roughly $32.0 million — reflected the November voter‑approved referendum that was added after the preliminary certification.
Chief Sager summarized district revenue and expenditures, noting a June budget gap of about $35.5 million that the district has been addressing through reserves and a referendum. He also explained that the district expects to use expanded Medicaid billing and state aid formulas but warned of fiscal risks in future planning years (2028–29).
Using standard examples, the chief said a median valued home (example: $289,200) would see an estimated annual tax increase of about $291 after final calculations — somewhat lower than earlier estimates. He described the referendum’s strong voter support (more than 65 percent) as a key driver of the levy and said other factors included modestly higher enrollment counts used in calculations and increased pension and LTFM needs.
During the public hearing, two speakers opposing the levy spoke to the board. James Kilkopf, a parent and substitute teacher, said taxes are becoming unaffordable and suggested the district has an excessive number of administrators compared with neighboring districts. Greg Bliss, representing a local citizen group Insight Saint Paul, urged the board to find ways to reduce the certified levy, citing Minnesota Department of Revenue data showing Saint Paul among the higher effective tax rates in the metro area; he also suggested the district consider using excess tax increments from TIFs where available.
There was no board vote at the hearing (Minnesota law requires the hearing but not a vote at that time). Chair Henderson reminded attendees the Board will vote on the payable‑2026 levy at its Dec. 16 regular meeting and provided instructions for submitting written testimony.
What’s next: The Board of Education will consider and is scheduled to vote on the proposed payable‑2026 levy at its Dec. 16, 2025 regular meeting. Residents who testified asked the board to explore levy reductions and alternative revenue options before certification.
