2022 Capital Projects Levy Referendum | Nov. 8, 2022

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election results

Both capital projects levy questions passed. Question 1 passed by a margin of 68.81%—31.19%. Question 2 passed by a margin of 58.34%-41.66%.

You can see the results on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.

You can read Superintendent Hillmann’s thank you message to families and the community here.

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The Northfield School District is asking voters to renew the existing capital projects levy that expires in (fiscal year) 2024 and to increase the levy to provide funding that supports the district’s strategic commitment to stewardship.

attend a public meeting to learn more

The district will hold public meetings about the capital projects levy referendum on Sept. 22 and Oct. 6, 2022, from 6 pm—7:15 pm in the district office gymnasium (201 Orchard Street S). Enter at Door No. 5 (from the parking lot.)

Why do we need to renew and increase the capital projects levy?

The current capital projects levy expires in (fiscal year) 2024. Renewing the existing capital projects levy allows the district to keep instructional materials up-to-date and funds regular maintenance of our buildings and grounds. In this case, the district will also use some of the additional funds provided by the capital projects levy to pay for the salary and benefits of eligible technology services staff members. This reallocation of salaries and benefits from the general fund to the capital projects levy is needed to reduce the amount of future budget reductions due to declining enrollment and chronic underfunding by the Minnesota Legislature.

What will the capital projects levy fund?

If both questions are approved by the voters, the capital projects levy will support stewardship by providing funds to:

Maintain and improve facilities and grounds.
Examples include but not limited to: Updating a Bridgewater classroom for specialized science instruction, addressing security issues, and purchasing a used plow truck to keep parking lots clear in the winter.

Purchase materials and equipment to support students and staff.
Examples include but not limited to: Purchasing books for classrooms, updating curriculum/equipment for science labs, technology for students and staff, and a panel sander for the high school wood shop.

Relieve pressure on the general fund by paying the salaries and benefits of eligible technology services staff. The levy may also be used to pay the salaries of five of our six technology services staff members. Shifting these employees’ salaries and benefits to the capital projects levy will provide approximately $500,000 of relief to the general fund, reducing the amount of future budget reductions.

What is being asked for on the ballot?

There will be two questions on the ballot: the first will extend the levy authority for 10 years at the existing tax rate (3.534%) and the second question will ask for an increase of 1.169% for 10 years. If both questions pass, the district will generate approximately $1.65 million per year compared to the $750,000 received per year under the previously approved levy.

how much will my taxes increase?

The tax impact on a $350,000 home will be an additional $81 per year or an additional $6.75 per month if both questions pass. It is important to note that the district has been under-levying the existing capital projects levy. The existing authority (at a tax rate of 3.534%) increases as the district’s tax base grows. The district currently could be levying for up to $1.24 million but has only levied taxes to reach the $750,000 amount promised to the taxpayers when the levy was passed in 2011. If approved, the district plans to levy the full authority each year during its ten-year term.

View the full tax impact table here