School District 192 approves preliminary levy

Talk about it

The Farmington School Board approved a preliminary tax levy Monday night, but it’s still not clear exactly what the decision will mean for taxpayers.

There were no firm numbers associated with the district’s decision. Board members voted to approve a levy equal to the maximum the state of Minnesota will allow, but finance director Carl Colmark said with state funding numbers changing multiple times per week he does not yet know what that number will be.

State law requires school districts to set a preliminary levy in September. Districts can reduce that number before certifying a final levy in December, but cannot increase it. Approving a maximum levy gives the district flexibility to make changes later if necessary.

“It protects us to make sure we don’t end up short,” Colmark said.

Preliminary numbers show a reduction in the district’s tax levy. Colmark presented a proposed levy of $18,696,216, down $319,457 from last year’s levy. But Colmark expects that to change in the next several weeks.

“My gut tells me when we get done with our cash flow … I think we’re going to be closer to a no-increase, no-decrease,” he said.

Farmington residents will receive property tax statements from Dakota County in November. The Farmington School Board will hold a truth in taxation hearing at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 in the little theater at Boeckman Middle School.

Tags: school district 192, news, education, farmington