Fairmont Area School District board certifies 2025 (payable 2026) levy at maximum, schedules truth-and-taxation hearing

The Fairmont Area School District board voted to certify the 2025 (payable 2026) tax levy at the maximum amount available and scheduled the district’s truth-and-taxation hearing for Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, after 6 p.m.

Jessica told the board that Minnesota statutes require levies to be set by Sept. 30 and recommended the board certify the levy at the maximum amount available so the state can finalize the precise dollar figure. "My recommendation to the board is to certify the levy at the maximum amount possible or available," Jessica said during the discussion.

Board members stressed the certification is a procedural step to allow the Minnesota Department to finalize calculations. One board member said updated reports were received that morning and that numbers could continue to change through Sept. 30; another reminded the public that school levy revenue is determined by a state formula and that the board’s authority to set levy revenue is constrained by that formula.

A motion to certify the levy at the maximum available amount was made and seconded; the board approved the motion. The board also approved a separate motion to set the truth-and-taxation hearing for Dec. 9, 2025, to occur after the regular 5:15 p.m. meeting that evening.

Next steps: the state will finalize the levy figures through Sept. 30. The district will hold the truth-and-taxation hearing on Dec. 9, at which members of the public may speak about the levy and tax impact.