Linn‑Mar board adopts FY2027 certified budget; typical $200,000 homeowner sees about $104 annual reduction

The Linn‑Mar Community School District board on April 27 adopted its proposed certified budget for fiscal year 2027 after a presentation from district staff that detailed revenue, levies and expenditure priorities.

John (district finance/operations) summarized the budget, explaining that the total tax rate remains essentially unchanged (about 17.99 per $1,000 of assessed value) and that the budget reflects a small realignment among funds: a net decrease in the general‑fund levy (‑$0.48 per $1,000), offset by a 40¢ increase to the management fund levy and an 8¢ increase to the debt‑service levy. He said the board’s adopted levy rate has been steady for three years.

John walked the board through the drivers: state supplemental aid (SSA) growth was modest (about 2%), enrollment trends showed a decline from prior certified counts, and certain insurance and debt costs are rising. The budget documents show roughly $107.5 million in general‑fund expenditures for FY27 with about 80% of general‑fund dollars directed to instruction and student services.

Using a $200,000 home example, staff calculated the effect of the budget and rollback factors: a $200,000 valuation yields a net taxable value after rollback and homestead credits that produces a school‑tax change of about a $104.32 reduction for the year (about $8.69 per month). John emphasized that the management fund increase helps cover rising premiums for property and casualty insurance and workers’ compensation and maintains an adequate fund balance to meet July 1 obligations.

Board members asked for clarifications about insurance renewal pressures and noted the district will receive a facilities‑assessment presentation on May 11. The board voted to approve the certified budget as presented; the public hearing on the certified budget had been held earlier in the meeting with no public comments.