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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, created during the 2026 legislative session. Because Pequot Lakes has sufficient seasonal recreational property, the state would cover half the referendum cost, or about $1.08 million.
- Financial consultant Bill Menozzi of PTMA Financial Solutions projected the district could create $500,000 in annual revenue while providing taxpayers an annual $72 tax decrease on a $400,000 home if voters approve the measure.
- Rapp Strategies President Todd Rapp warned the board not to underestimate how hard the message will be to land, noting residents may think the proposal is 'too good to be true.' Board Chair Kim Bolz-Andolshek acknowledged the ballot must label it a tax increase.
- If approved, the district could gain roughly $5 million in additional revenue over 10 years while taxpayers save close to $6 million. Board member Curt Johnson argued the referendum reclaims funds the district should have retained for decades.
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Total News Sources14
Leaning Left0Leaning Right6Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Center
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources are Center
54% Center
C 54%
R 46%
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