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Election DayTuesday, November 3

Fargo voters decide Tuesday whether the school district keeps its property tax levy

The Daily Fargo teamFrom today’s edition · 1 min read · 2 sources

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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.

Fargo's 127-mill levy splits into three parts

Source: WDAY Radio

View as table
AmountShare
General fund11086.6%
Miscellaneous129.4%
Tuition53.9%
  • 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 benefits80%

Sources: WDAY Radio, Valley News Live

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  1. Valley News Live13 hours ago

    How to vote in North Dakota and Minnesota on Election Day, on Valley News Live

    What to know before heading to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3

  2. WDAY Radio14 hours ago

    Fargo school leader asks voters to maintain current property tax rate, on WDAY Radio

    Fargo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Cory Steiner on The Flag’s What’s On Your Mind FARGO, N.D. — Fargo Public Schools residents are deciding on a ballot measure that would allow the district to maintain its current property

  3. The Flag16 hours ago

    State Sen. Kyle Davison outlines budget priorities and reelection bid in District 41, on The Flag

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