By Brenda Erdahl
Taxpayers experiencing sticker shock over Maple Lake School District’s 26.32% property tax levy increase can take solace in the fact that it’s a temporary burden for much needed facility improvements.
In August the school board approved a $13.2 million health and safety bond to update and improve the air quality in the schools. As a result, the district’s debt service raised about 67% to make up the majority of the 2024 levy increase. The good news is, next year a large portion of the school’s debt will be paid and after that the levy should level off, Supt. Mike Rowe said, Monday, Dec. 11 at a Truth in Taxation hearing.
Monday’s hearing, which was held before the school board’s regular meeting, drew little fanfare. Only one person attended the hearing which is required by the state to keep entities like school boards accountable for their financial decisions. Supt. Rowe noted the public hearings held throughout the year regarding the $13.2 million health and safety project likewise drew little to no public participation.
The project will address the school’s aging HVAC system in part by updating air handlers, cleaning out air ducts and adding dehumidification to keep the building comfortably cool during the summer. Adding dehumidification will keep Maple Lake schools competitive with neighboring districts like Annandale, Buffalo, Howard Lake and Monticello, districts with similar systems, Supt. Rowe said.
“We’re at a disadvantage when we’re trying to gain student enrollment. When you give a tour to a family in the hot summer in July, (the school) is not a very appealing place to be,” he said.
The school’s property tax levy was also impacted by higher property values.
“Assessments on properties went up about $40,000 in some neighborhoods here, so that raises the taxable capacity of your home and increases taxes,” Supt. Rowe said.
Also affecting the school portion of taxes was the generosity of state legislators this session. General fund dollars from the state went up about 3 percent, Supt. Rowe said.
The final 2024 levy, which was certified by board members before the end of Monday’s meeting, is $3,858,002 which is an increase of $803,774 or 26.32%.