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Minnesota school board will ask voters for a 'tax increase' that would cut taxes
The plan could raise about $2.17 million and cut most homeowners’ tax bills by about $72 on a $400,000 home, officials said.
- On Monday, July 6, The Pequot Lakes School Board voted unanimously to place an operating referendum on the Nov 3 ballot, utilizing a new state aid program to increase revenue while lowering local property taxes.
- The strategy hinges on the Seasonal Tax Base Replacement Aid, a 2026 state program created to help districts like Pequot Lakes. Because the district has sufficient seasonal recreational property, the state would cover about $1.08 million of the referendum cost.
- Financial consultant Bill Menozzi of PTMA Financial Solutions projected the district would create $500,000 in annual revenue while providing taxpayers an annual $72 tax decrease on a $400,000 home if voters approve.
- Rapp Strategies President Todd Rapp warned the board not to underestimate the messaging challenge, noting the ballot must label the measure a tax increase despite projecting a net decrease for most homeowners.
- Board member Curt Johnson framed the referendum as reclaiming funds the district should have retained for decades. If approved, the district could gain roughly $5 million over 10 years while taxpayers save close to $6 million.
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Total News Sources15
Leaning Left0Leaning Right6Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Center
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center
C 57%
R 43%
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