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Board holds Truth in Taxation hearing as district outlines pay‑26 levy; public urges caution on tax burden
Summary
At a Truth in Taxation hearing, district staff outlined the proposed payable‑2026 levy and budget drivers; presenters said the certified levy is $253.7 million and estimated the median home would see about a $291 increase. Public commenters urged restraint and questioned district administrative costs.
The Saint Paul Board of Education held its annual Truth in Taxation hearing on Dec. 2 as required by Minnesota law, with district staff reviewing the proposed pay‑26 (FY27) levy and members of the public testifying for and against the proposed property tax levels.
Chief Sager presented the fiscal context: the district’s general fund for the current budget year is about $731 million, expenditures are roughly $767 million, producing a projected budget gap of about $35.5 million. Property taxes (levies) make up approximately 21% of the general fund in the district’s budget mix. Chief Sager said the certified payable‑2026 levy total is $253,732,386; the figure increased from the preliminary levy in part because of a November voter‑approved referendum that added an anticipated amount to the total.
Sager showed that the median home value used in community outreach (about $289,200) corresponds to an estimated annual tax increase of approximately $291 after the referendum was folded into final numbers — slightly lower than earlier estimates presented during outreach.
During the public comment portion, speakers urged caution about raising property taxes and asked the board to explore internal efficiencies. James Kilkoff, who identified himself as a parent and sometimes substitute teacher in the district, said Saint Paul’s tax burden was growing too high for some families. Greg Bliss, representing Insight Saint Paul, presented comparative data suggesting the city’s average effective tax rate for residential homesteads is among the higher rates in the region and urged the board to find ways to lower the district’s certified levy.
The hearing did not include a board vote on the levy; the board will consider and vote on the payable‑2026 levy at the December 16 regular meeting. The district provided statutory notice to the public and explained its calendar for levy adoption and certification to Ramsey County.
Reported speakers: Chair Henderson; Chief Sager; James Kilkoff (public); Greg Bliss (Insight Saint Paul).
Ending: The public hearing adjourned and the committee reconvened; the levy will be formally considered at the Board of Education’s Dec. 16 meeting.
