Detroit Lakes operating levy would have no impact on tax payers

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (WDAY TV) - In Detroit Lakes, Election Day could make or break an operating levy increase in the school district. The proposal will increase the current referendum of 319 dollars per pupil, to 457 dollars per pupil, but passing it doesn't mean voters will pay more.

The Detroit Lakes school district is growing, and state aid is shrinking. Something's got to give, and this mother of two, doesn't want it to be her daughters' education.

“Classes are maxed out to the point that I’m comfortable with.”

Now, she says is the perfect time to bring in a new levy, because an old building referendum from 1990 is coming off the books in 2010. So although the ballot says, by voting yes, you are voting for a property tax increase, there's actually almost no impact on property tax payers. Do the math it comes out to about one dollar increase.

That small difference doesn't mean everyone's on board.

“My phones have been ringing.”

School Board Member Terrie Boyd says, people are worried about a potential new building referendum, which would quickly zap the idea of a zero impact levy. Terrie says, that is a possibility, but still a few years out.

“We have contained costs and can't do more without impact students.”

Over the last 10 years, the district closed two schools, cut staff and art programs, and shifted text book purchases. If voters give the nod next Tuesday, the operating levy will bring in 400-thousand dollars a year for the school district, for the next ten years.

Those who own seasonal properties are not taxed under a levy referendum. Agriculture land is only taxed on the house, garage and one acre of farmland.

Tags: your city, kelsey soby, detroit lakes, k-12 education