Hopkins board preliminarily certifies proposed tax levy at maximum to retain flexibility

The Hopkins Public School District board voted Sept. 24 to certify the proposed preliminary property tax levy at the maximum level to preserve flexibility for December’s truth‑in‑taxation process.

The district’s Director of Business Services explained the state formulas and timing that determine levy limits and presented a proposed levy amount of $68,992,949 for payable year 2026 (presented in the meeting transcript). He noted that compared to the prior certified levy (presented in the meeting as roughly $78,495,558) the proposed levy reflects about a 2.6% reduction overall. The director attributed most of the change to a different calculation for long‑term facilities maintenance and to bond/financing decisions: the presentation referenced planned bond sales of approximately $13.6 million for capital work versus about $10.6 million in the prior year, with the remaining funding balanced against levy proceeds.

Board members asked how the levy change would affect an average property owner and were told the district would provide examples at the Dec. 10 presentation when final Department of Education calculations are available. Members also discussed why the board typically certifies at the maximum (to retain the ability to adjust later, given state formula updates) and asked for follow‑up material showing the levy’s household impact once state calculations are finalized.

A motion to certify the proposed levy at the maximum passed by voice vote with no recorded nay votes; the board scheduled the December truth‑in‑taxation presentation and final certification as part of its regular meeting calendar.