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Understanding Property Tax Levies

student smiling working at a computer with a logo with the text %22Pathway so Progress, Tools for Success, Access for All%22 and the text %22Capital Projects Levy for Technology Vote Tuesday, November 5, 2024%22

Capital Projects Levy Approved By Voters

The Capital Projects Levy on the Nov 5 ballot, asking for $700,000 per year for technology related expenses was approved by voters on November 5, 2024! Click here to learn more and hear from Superintendent, Dr. Carly Baker.

Your property tax bill is composed of local and state property taxes. Local property taxes help fund local programs and services, such as public schools, fire and police protection, streets, libraries, and more. State property taxes fund school districts, towns, cities, counties, and other special taxing districts.

School District Property Taxes

In Minnesota, school districts have the option of levying property taxes to generate revenue for various educational needs. Voter approved levies are generally divided into three broad categories:

1. Operating Levies

  • Purpose: These levies are used for the general operation of the school district, such as paying for teachers, support staff, programs, and materials.

  • Approval: Voter approval is required through a referendum.

  • Duration: Typically, these levies are approved for a set number of years, often 5 to 10 years, but they can be renewed.

2. Capital Project Levies

  • Purpose: These funds are used for long-term capital projects, including building improvements, purchasing technology, or safety/security upgrades. They generally cover equipment, technology infrastructure, and other capital needs.
  • Approval: Voter approval is usually required, though some smaller levies may be approved by school boards.

  • Duration: Typically authorized for up to 10 years

3. Debt Service Levies

  • Purpose: These levies are used to pay back bonds issued for capital projects like constructing new schools or major facility upgrades.

  • Approval: Requires voter approval when the bonds are issued.

  • Duration: Levied for the life of the bonds, often 20 to 30 years, until the debt is repaid.

Tax Impact of Capital Projects Levy for Technology

Unlike an operating levy referendum, the capital projects levy has a different tax impact on property owners. 

Operating Levy 

  • Taxed based on a property’s market value

  • No differentiation for the type or class of property 

Capital Projects Levy for Technology

  • Taxed based on net tax capacity rate, is calculated by the type/class of the property

  • Homes are generally taxed at a lower rate than businesses and industrial property

Technology Levy Impact

Because of how the capital projects levy for technology is structured and how taxes are calculated, we have tried to minimize the impact to local homeowners. If the new capital project levy is approved, district homeowners will see a slight increase in their annual property taxes. 

  • The owner of a home valued at $150,000 will pay an additional $6 per month or $72 per year for 10 years. 

  • Renters within district boundary lines will not see an increase in taxes. 

  • To see how the capital projects levy for technology will impact your property taxes go to this tax calculator.

 

BCCS is offering FREE shuttles from our school buildings to The Heritage Center polling place on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024! This opportunity is offered to ensure district residents have transportation to their polling place.

Shuttle Times: A BCCS bus will run every 30 minutes starting at 8:45 a.m. through 7:45 p.m. The shuttle will be closed from 3:00-3:45 p.m. Look for the purple and orange shuttle sign on the sidewalk!

Pick Up & Drop Off Sites

  • Brooklyn Center Middle & High School
    • 6500 Humboldt Ave. North (Door #26 - Auditorium Entrance)
  • Brooklyn Center Elementary School
    • 1500 59th Avenue North (West Parking Lot Near Loading Dock)
  • Early College Academy
    • 5910 Shingle Creek Parkway (Door #2)
  • The Heritage Center
    • 6155 Earle Brown Drive

Evening Meal: Families and residents are invited to join  us for a FREE evening meal  on election night!

  • Tuesday, November 5
  • 4:30-6:00 p.m. (While Supplies Last)
  • Brooklyn Center Middle & High School 6500 Humboldt Ave. North