The Strong Schools Form Our Future Committee Answers Community Questions

What will the tax consequences be if the referendum passes?

On August 4, 2008, the Parkers Prairie School Board certified its referendum for $1200 per pupil which reflects a $797.85 per pupil increase.  This amount, however, is NOT the tax increase amount per individual taxpayer.  An individual taxpayer’s  increase  is dependent upon the number of pupils in the district and the value of the real estate being taxed.

The increase in real estate taxes due to the levy will be imposed on city homesteads; the house, garage and one acre of land of rural property and real estate owned by businesses.  Seasonal properties will not be impacted.

Elhers & Associates has estimated that the tax increase on a homestead valued at $100,000 is $197 per year or $16.42 per month.  Sixteen dollars and 42 cents a month is less than the cost of a meal for a family of four at a fast food restaurant or the cost of two movie tickets and a large popcorn.  The costs o f potentially losing a school in our community, on the other hand, are somewhat incalculable. Having no school would mean the loss of over 80 local jobs, the loss of traffic through our community and business places and the loss of local sporting and cultural events.  This would also translate into a decrease in population as families with school age children leave the community and a change in the identity of Parkers Prairie if we are no longer the home of the Panthers.

Before the November 4 election, all property owners affected by the proposed levy will have several opportunities to receive assistance to calculate their tax increase.  A computer program will be available online to help individuals assess their personal tax impact.  For those who do not have access to a computer, the Strong Schools Form Our Future committee will make public access sites available.  Committee members will be present at these sites to assist any individual who requests help.