MARSHALL — The Marshall School Board is recommending a 1.11% increase in its property tax levy for 2025, raising the total to $7,971,809.32, up from $7,884,609.49 in 2024. This represents an $87,199.83 increase.
Director of Finance Sarah Kirchner explained that property tax rates would rise modestly, with residential homesteads seeing a 1.14% increase, apartments a 1.43% increase, and farms a 0.048% increase. Relief for agricultural properties will continue through the Ag2School tax credit, which remains at 70%, and residential homesteads will benefit from expanded state homestead exclusions.
Key drivers of the levy include funding for long-term facilities maintenance, community education, early childhood programs, and general service debt. The district projects a total debt of $766,925 for fiscal year 2025. However, inflation and stagnant state aid formulas are putting increased pressure on property tax levies to meet budget demands.
The district’s general education funding trails inflation by $1,364 per pupil, or 18.7%, impacting services for its approximately 2,666 students. The school board certified its maximum levy authority in September, with the final levy submission due by December 30.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue will release finalized levy information in February 2025.
