The Cost

Learn about the tax impact of the plan.

“The Fergus Falls Board of Education has a history of being fiscally responsible,” said Natalie Knutson, board chair. “However, as a board, we are unanimous that the conservative, most cost-effective solution is to replace our obsolete facilities with one new building.”

The cost to taxpayers is relatively inexpensive.

The owner of a $250,000 home would pay $7.17 per month.


Two reasons for the low cost. 

First, in the next few years, bonds approved by voters in 2007 will be paid off - the taxes levied for this bond will expire soon, and the new facility will cost just a little more to pay off these bonds. Second, because of the 70% tax credit for agricultural property, the state of Minnesota will pick up the taxes not collected from farmers - that’s equal to $6 million over the life of the 22 year payback.

Fergus Falls Public Schools is fiscally responsible.

As you can see from this bar chart, Fergus Falls Schools falls right in the middle of total school taxes compared to neighboring school districts. And will continue to fall in the middle even if the referendum is approved.

Do farm families receive some tax relief?

Yes. In 2017, the Minnesota Legislature approved a 40 percent tax credit for farm land school bond taxes. In 2019, the legislature approved higher tax credits to be phased in over time. In 2022, the credit was 60 percent; it’s 70 percent in 2023 and after. (Farm families pay school operating levies on 1 acre of property that includes the house and garage.)

Strong Schools Strong Communities - Finance Flyer.pdf