Kittson Central asking for voter-approved referendum

By Anna Jauhola
In a lightly attended public meeting, Jen Chapman, an associate municipal adviser from Ehlers, explained Kittson Central’s need for an increased operating referendum. At the Wednesday, Sept. 25 meeting, two people from the public and all school board members gathered in the school’s auditorium.
Kittson Central’s current operating referendum is expiring. To replace a referendum, the question must be on the General Election ballot in November, Chapman said. Kittson Central is asking for $1,000 more per pupil unit and to include an inflation clause.
“The reason districts are going out for operating referendums and capital project levy referendums is really because the general and revenue formula has not kept up with inflation,” Chapman said. “If the allowance increased with inflation each year, it would be $1,364 per pupil higher, or $8,645 total per pupil for fiscal year 25.”
Instead, the state Legislature has allowed for a 2% increase at $143 per pupil.
The question voters will see on their ballots will read: “SCHOOL DISTRICT QUESTION 1 (ISD #2171) – Approval of School District Referendum Revenue Authorization – The school board of Independent School District No. 2171 (Kittson Central) has proposed to increase its general education revenue by $4,546 per pupil. A portion of this proposed referendum revenue authorization would replace the school district’s prior authorization of $3,546 per pupil which is scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2025. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for 10 years beginning with taxes payable in 2026, and increase each year by the rate of inflation beginning with taxes payable in 2027, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 2171 be approved? BY VOTING ‘YES’ ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.”
Chapman explained how the referendum is spread over the tax base. Operating referendums do not tax agricultural land, but instead homesteads, residential and commercial/industrial properties pay the most. Commercial/ industrial properties pay about 78.2% of the cost and residential homestead pays 13.5%, while other residential properties cover 4%.
Should the operating referendum pass, it will bring an additional approximate $293,000 for the district annually starting with taxes payable in 2026. For example, Chapman said taxes on a home valued at $100,000, the school district taxes would be $206 annually, which is an increase over the previous referendum of $69.
“Generally, operating referendums are a higher pass rate,” Chapman said.
Board member Mark Johnson commended the Kittson Central District voters for their regular support of the school, as they have passed referendums in the past. The district will also mail information to voters regarding the referendum so voters are better informed.
To see the actual impact on your taxes, you can visit kittson.k12.mn.us and click on the Referendum link at the top of the page. This will bring up a calculator where you can enter the Estimated Market Value of your home to figure your annual taxes related to this referendum. You can find the Estimated Market Value of your home on the valuation notice the county will send to you later this fall.
If you have more questions, contact the school office at 218-843-3682 or you can attend another public meeting regarding the referendum on Monday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium.
Mail-in ballots should be hitting mailboxes throughout Kittson County soon.