HOW THIS IMPACTS YOU
We know every dollar matters, which is why we’ve worked hard to keep this proposal focused on our most important needs.
Question 1’s operating levy requests a per-pupil increase of $415 per student to the existing levy to maintain adequate funding to support our current educational and operational budget needs for the next 10 years, which provides approximately $702,900 annually. Question 2’s building bond referendum requests $15.4 million to make improvements to the Wagner Education Building, Lake Ripley Elementary School, and Litchfield Middle/High School, along with repairs and restoration improvements to our grandstand. Each question addresses separate needs and allows you to consider those investments separately. Click here to learn more about the plan.
ESTIMATED TAX IMPACT
The estimated tax impact differs because each question is funded through a separate school district levy. For a $285,000 home, the estimated tax impact would be approximately $11 per month for Question 1 and $8.25 per month for Question 2, or about $19.25 per month if both questions are approved. Question 1 would provide additional operating revenue for 10 years. Question 2 would authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds that would be repaid over approximately 20 years, beginning in 2027. Click here to use our online tax calculator to find your estimated tax impact.
NOTE: Agricultural property will pay taxes for Question 1’s operating levy based only on the value of the house, garage, and one acre. Seasonal/recreational/residential property will pay no taxes for Question 1.
Board-Approved Critical Deferred Maintenance Improvements
If Question 2’s building bond referendum is not approved by residents, our school board has outlined maintenance needs that simply can’t wait any longer. Minnesota school boards can approve certain projects without voter approval using Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) and abatement bonds. These dollars can be used for things like HVAC system indoor air quality improvements, fire suppression, parking lots, and roofing.
If the building bond is not approved, our school board would consider a $10.3 million non-voter-approved project from the proposed $15.4 million bond referendum to complete indoor air quality, building system, and parking lot improvements to address some of our most critical needs. Completing the entirety of the proposed bond scope would result in scheduling and cost efficiencies. These important projects would help keep our building safe and functional, but would only address a portion of our identified facilities’ needs and not include many of the improvements proposed in Question 2.
AG2SCHOOL TAX CREDIT
The State of Minnesota’s Ag2School Tax Credit is a 70% tax credit provided to all agricultural property except the house, garage, and one acre surrounding the agricultural homestead for building bond referendums, like what is proposed in Question 2 of our plan. This is not a tax deduction – it’s a dollar-for-dollar credit and is an automatic tax credit paid directly by the state with no application required. This credit would remain at 70% for the life of the bond.
The State of Minnesota’s Ag2School Tax Credit reduces the contribution percentage for agricultural landowners to 30%. If approved, approximately 19% of the referendum’s total principal and interest will be covered by the Ag2School credit.
One again, agricultural landowners will pay taxes for Question 1’s operating levy based only on the value of the house, garage, and one acre.
Potential Ways to Offset Your Tax Impact
You may be eligible for ways to offset increases to your property taxes from the referendum, including:
Homestead credit refund – the state’s largest property tax refund program.
Special one-year refund – for excessive increases (12% increase and at least $100).
Senior tax deferral – helping those 65+ manage property tax bills.
Renters’ property tax credit – tax relief for renters.
The referendum may make you eligible for these refunds/credits or may increase the amount from any refunds/credits you already receive. In addition, an increase in property taxes may be deductible on your federal tax return if you itemize deductions.
What is the Homestead Credit Refund? How do I know if I qualify?
The Homestead Credit Refund program began in 1967 and today is received by over 500,000 Minnesota homeowners. Homestead Credit Refunds are provided on a sliding scale and based on your household income and property tax bill. The refund increases as your property taxes increase, up to as much as $3,310 each year
Excess property taxes: Refunds will range from 53% to 88% of the excess property tax you pay, as determined by a state formula based on income.
Through the Minnesota Department of Revenue, the Homestead Credit Refund Program offers a refund to homeowners who meet certain qualifications. The amount of the refund is based on household income and total property taxes paid. To receive the refund, you must file Form M1PR with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The proposed referendum may make you eligible for this refund or increase the amount you receive. Here is a table illustrating some examples of the impact relative to the proposed bond referendum. Learn more here.
Requirements:
Your total household income must be less than $142,490.
You must be a Minnesota resident or part-year resident to qualify for a property tax refund.
You must have owned and occupied your home on January 2, 2026.
Your property must be classified as your homestead, or you must have applied for homestead classification and had it approved.
Your homestead must have no delinquent property taxes. Generally, property taxes are not delinquent if you have either paid them or signed a confession of judgment.
