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FAIRMONT-- On Tuesday the Fairmont School Board heard from the district's business manager, Jessica Korte, regarding the proposed 2023 payable 2024 tax levy.
Korte noted that the levy is based on the Minnesota Department of Education's (MDE) calculation, which is based on student enrollment.
"At this time MDE's calculation is currently proposing a 2.74 percent increase over last year's levy amount so that will add about $172,000 from last year's levy to this year's levy," Korte said.
She said that MDE is still working on some numbers and is updating figures now through Sept. 30 so she recommended that the board certify the maximum levy to allow for any adjustments that need to be made.
Board Member Julie Laue made a motion to approve the tax levy to the maximum amount available, which Board Member Nicole Green seconded.
Board Member Dan Brookens provided a reminder, saying that if there are adjustments recommended by MDE, the board can lower the levy, but it will not be able to raise what it approved on Tuesday evening.
Laue added that at the Truth in Taxation meeting in December is when the board will officially set the 2024 tax levy.
"It's not the maximum amount available, it's the maximum amount as dictated by law through the Minnesota Department of Education. We have no control over what that levy number is; they actually tell us what that number is and that's in accordance with the law... we can't do more. We could do less," said Board Member Mike Edman.
He stressed that it's a different process than how cities and counties set their budget and levy.
The motion to approve the levy passed.
In his report to the board, Superintendent Andy Traetow touched on the current enrollment numbers. He noted that while enrollment was up at the time of the August school board meeting, presently enrollment numbers are down to where they were this time a year ago.
"That's good that that stability is there," Traetow said.
Moving to building and grounds, Traetow said that the two new outdoor learning space at Fairmont Elementary School are completed. Resurfacing and painting of the track at the high school is also done, as is the entrance to the track and football field.
"The spectator entrance at the junior/senior high school has a few minor items. A lot of the signage is being made and some of the lighting on the canopy still has to be refined," Traetow said.
He said the district is a year into the new CTE (vocational) building at Fairmont High School and that a few minor things need to be completed there as well.
Finally, Traetow shared the the district is in the midst of homecoming week and said that there is extra energy around the school buildings.
"We're definitely grateful for those locally and for those throughout the state and country that are Fairmont High School graduates and those legacies that they've left come to life even more this week and it's great to see our students embracing our school spirit with dress up days and support for all of our activities going on this week," Traetow said.
In other news, the board:
-- Accepted a donation of a ball machine and ball carts, valued at $3,200, for the girls tennis program from Emily Weisser.
-- Set the Truth in Taxation hearing for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12.
-- Approved a policy revision to transportation of non-public students.
-- Approved the 2023-34 student participation fees, which saw no changes from last year.
-- Approved the resignation of Linda Hughes, EL teacher, effective Oct. 27.
-- Approved the retirement of Ned Adams, custodian, effective Nov. 30.
At the conclusion of the meeting the board went into closed session to discuss the Hunt Farm property.