School Boards Approve Varied Tax Levies

Minnesota school districts are setting property tax levies for upcoming budgets, with outcomes varying by district. Rochester Public Schools approved a 2027 levy of $105.84 million, up 1.31%—about $1.37 million—year over year and $430,990 above its September projection; the increase is among its smallest since 2022, with enrollment changes among the factors affecting the calculation. Pipestone Area Schools approved the maximum preliminary 2027 levy of about $4.42 million, a roughly 0.1% decrease, though a proposed November referendum could raise the final amount. In Waterloo, officials approved a $5.6 million levy, slightly higher than last year, while the tax rate is expected to decline as property values rise; district officials said reduced state aid and costs outpacing funding have strained operations despite budget cuts and an approved operational referendum. Rochester and Pipestone are scheduled to take up final levy adoption at December Truth in Taxation meetings.