Committed to facts

To the Editor:

We know the information shared about the MCW referendum is overwhelming. We’re committed to focus on facts and not scare tactics. The ways that schools are funded in Minnesota are complicated. So is the way in which property is taxed and this project is funded.

The cost of this project is 66.74 million dollars. Yes, when the bonds are sold, there will be interest and other fees associated with that. This is the same thing that happens when someone buys a house and takes out a mortgage. Or when you buy a car and need financing. Your fees and interest are figured in so you know the total cost. It does not change. The tax calculators you can use to see how much you will pay for either a home or for agricultural land have already added those financing costs to the base amount. Projects like schools are expensive. They are financed over long periods, like 20 years, so they are not so burdensome for the average taxpayer. We hope that when the bonds are issued, the costs will be less than we planned for and that we might be able to pay them off earlier.

We, too, are concerned about the impact of increased school taxes on low or fixed income residents. Each voter needs to understand their own financial situation and determine what makes sense for them. There are several programs that might be able to help some households.

• Regular Residential Property Tax Refund is an annual refund. A homeowner with household

income of up to $135,410 is eligible for a property tax refund of up to $3,310 each year.

• There is also a refund program for renters. A renter with a household income of up to $73,270 is

eligible for a property tax refund up to $2,570 each year.

What this means is that many low or fixed income residents can receive a refund on their property taxes that will cover part or all of the tax increase for a new school. In order to get this refund, residents need to fill out the M1PR form (Homestead Credit Refund and Renter’s Property Tax Refund) when they complete their Minnesota tax forms.

Remember also that the Ag2School tax credit will pay for 42.7 percent of the total project. This tax credit has existed since 2017, and increased from the credit paying for 40 percent of the cost per acre, to 70 percent. There are 277 Minnesota schools that have benefited from this tax credit, including Jackson County Central, Fairmont, Windom, St James, Truman, Mountain Lake, Butterfield-Odin, Granada Huntley East Chain, and Martin County West. That is correct. Since 2018, MCW district ag landowners have been receiving the Ag2School tax credit for the referendum passed to update HVAC systems in two of the buildings. You do not need to apply–it is automatically calculated and your property taxes are reduced.

Please be informed voters and ask the questions that you need answered. Do not fall for scare tactics. We are at a pivotal point in our school district, and there are so many positive supports in place to make this a successful project while reducing the tax burden on residents. Please join us in supporting this referendum. Vote Yes on May 14.

Stephanie Wohlhuter,

and other members of the

Vote Yes for Martin County West Committee

Sherburn, Minn.