Tri-City United board certifies 3.85% levy increase to fund 2025 debt and operations

Tri-City United School Board members voted unanimously to certify a proposed 3.85% property-tax levy increase payable in 2025 after a Truth-in-Taxation presentation and public hearing.

District staff presented the levy and budget comparisons, showing state formula increases have lagged inflation and that the district continues to rely on a mix of state funding, local levies and occasional voter-approved capital projects. The presenter said the gap between inflation and state education funding has widened and that the proposed levy will help cover general operations and rising debt-service costs. “We’re looking at a 3.85% increase,” the presenter said, noting that most of the increase this year is related to debt-service aid and timing of bond payments.

The presenter walked the board through fund-level figures, explaining that roughly 78–79% of district revenue supports the general fund and that the levy breakouts include general fund, debt service and community service levies. The district also cited an agricultural school-property tax credit that reduces school levies for qualifying farm and timberland owners.

Board members conducted a roll-call vote on the levy certification resolution; the resolution passed 6-0 with one member absent. The board’s action certifies the levy to the county for collection as required by Minnesota law.

The presenter emphasized that property owners should review their market values because changes in market value can materially affect the tax amount they pay even when levy rates are stable. The board’s certification completes the district’s statutory Levy steps and moves the district into the budget-finalization and audit cycle for fiscal year 2025.