Election DayTop story
Fargo voters decide Tuesday whether the school district keeps its property tax levy
Fargo's 127-mill levy splits into three parts
Source: WDAY Radio
View as table
| Amount | Share | |
|---|---|---|
| General fund | 110 | 86.6% |
| Miscellaneous | 12 | 9.4% |
| Tuition | 5 | 3.9% |
If you live in the Fargo school district, your ballot has a question about school property taxes. It asks whether the district can have a general fund levy of 110 mills effective Dec. 31, 2027. Superintendent Dr. Cory Steiner says it isn't a tax hike: “It’s not asking for more taxes.”
The wording can confuse. Steiner said in a radio interview that the district reorganized its tax structure two years ago. The total local levy stays at 127 mills, the rate Fargo taxpayers have paid since 2018. State law requires voters to reauthorize it every 10 years.
- Yes: the district keeps its taxing authority as the city grows
- No: new growth revenue freezes for the district
- No: general fund levy gradually drops to the 70-mill state limit
If the measure fails, Steiner said the district would face an estimated $2 million deficit each year. He said that would likely mean bigger elementary classes and could affect middle and high school courses and activities.
Most of the district's budget pays salary and benefits
80%Share of the district's budget that goes to salary and benefits
Sources: WDAY Radio, Valley News Live
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Share of the district's budget that goes to salary and benefits | 80% |
