As Executive Director of MSRPO, I have never
heard a seasonal property owner say that they did not expect to pay property taxes in support of local schools. In fact, as state payments to schools have declined, seasonal property owners felt the pressure in increased property tax bills long before homesteads.
Since 2005 MSRPO has advocated for a sufficient and reliable source of school funding. In 2009, MSRPO endorsed a plan for a state and local fiscal system overhaul, Finding a Way Forward.
Theplan is posted on our web site. We are working to increase honest and accurate dialogue about the appropriate scope of government, and the best way to fund it.
Property taxes in Minnesota have grown dramatically since 2001. City expenditures have decreased by 7 percent over the same period.
Schools have seen dramatic cuts and some rely ever more heavily on excess operating levies. Cabins were taken off this specific referendum in 2001. Theydo pay all other local taxes, including school taxes. Theyalso pay capital improvement levies to build new schools or update existing schools, even though they cannot vote in local elections. Yet the mistaken idea that nonresident owners in Cook County no longer have to pay local school taxes persists.
Thatis inaccurate. Seasonal property owners have been paying more than their fair share in school taxes for years. Minnesota has been paying less. Theproblem with claiming otherwise is that the real problem remains unexamined. School kids suffer, our educational standing slips, and tuition rises because Minnesota’s state and local fiscal system has broken down.
MSRPO also supports an overhaul of the management of the state’s school trust lands. Rep. Rukavina and Rep. Denise Dittrich have introduced a proposal which seeks to remedy a long overdue situation—DNR mismanagement of School Trust Lands in northern Minnesota. Monies generated by school trust lands are constitutionally dedicated to Minnesota’s school children. Proper management of these resources would return millions to school coffers each year without further burdening property tax payers.
We all want the same end, a quality education for our kids. We support David Stuart’s “Support for ISD #166 Fund” efforts and encourage all seasonal owners to contribute, but must insist that he recognize that seasonal owners contribute mightily to school coffers already.
MSRPO will continue to work for a real solution to local school funding woes.
Jeff Forester
Executive Director, MSRPO
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