Luverne school levy set to decrease 4.4 percent

The Luverne School District levy is set to decrease by 4.4 percent for taxes payable in 2021.
The district next year will levy $3.904 million, which is $179,805 less than the $4.084 million levied this year.
Luverne School Board members set the district’s preliminary levy at their Sept. 24 meeting when they also scheduled the truth in taxation hearing for 7 p.m. on Dec. 21 during the district’s regular meeting.
At the hearing the public can provide input into the proposed school budget and levy.
The hearing must be conducted prior to the board finalizing the levy amount at the end of the year. Any adjustments to the final levy can be done after the hearing at the December meeting.
School business manager Marlene Mann said “a combination of things” contributed to the lower levy percentage ranging from enrollment to the district’s operating debt.
For 2021 state officials determined the levy for three areas: general fund, debt service and postemployment benefits.
Luverne will receive $139,070 or 6.92 percent less from local property taxpayers for its general fund, and $43,792 or 2.21 percent less for postemployment benefit services.
An additional $3,057 or 3.31 percent will be levied for general debt service payments.
 
In other Sept. 24 business, Luverne board members:
•approved the same snow removal contract with Ver Steeg Excavation of Luverne. Ver Steeg was the only proposal received.
•accepted the resignation of middle-high school paraprofessional Danielle Ganun, effective Aug. 31, and hired middle-high school paraprofessional Heather Roberts, effective Sept. 21.