Let’s look at a few questions we all have regarding the upcoming school levy vote. First, why was the parking lot and the industrial arts tech project completed when we needed money for general operations? Those projects were funded by a bond and a grant that could only cover building projects.
Also, the tech project was done because our community asked the school to offer these skills to our students.
Second, why do seasonal homeowners not pay school taxes? In 2002, the legislature passed a bill allowing seasonal/rec property owners to not pay referendum levy taxes. This has had a devastating effect upon ISD 166 because Cook County has 3860 seasonal/ rec properties (48 percent) versus 1,933 homesteaded properties (21 percent) in Cook County. This is why we have two levies on the upcoming ballot: the bond levy is shouldered by all property owners and will pay for building upkeep, etc. The referendum levy is paid only by local homesteaded properties and pays for general school operations. Eighty-seven percent of Minnesota schools use levies to pay for their schools.
Final question: what if I can’t afford the increase in taxes? There are two state property tax refunds you can apply for on your taxes.
Please help our students get a good education! It is very important to vote yes on both our bond levy and our referendum levy.
Annie and Mike DeBevec
Grand Marais
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