Voters to decide school levy renewal

One of Luverne Public School’s two operating referendums will come to voters for renewal this fall.
At their Thursday, Aug. 13, meeting, School Board members unanimously approved putting the ballot question to voters on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Voters will be asked to reapprove the $763.34 per pupil operating referendum for another 10 years.
In 2012 voters supported a $401.27 operating levy. That 10-year levy is set to expire in 2022.
At their Aug. 13 meeting, School Board members also supported hiring Ehlers Inc., an independent financial advisory firm in Roseville.
The basic service package will cost $1,850 and supply board members with data and other information about the expiring levy.  The package also includes a presentation about the proposal.
The board also approved how the question will appear on the ballot.
“The language at the bottom of the ballot has changed,” Superintendent Craig Oftedahl explained. “It is much clearer.”
Instead of informing voters that a “yes” vote could result in the increase in taxes, the district’s renewal ballot will read, “By voting ‘yes’ on this ballot question, you are voting to extend an existing property tax referendum that is scheduled to expire.”
Polls on Nov. 3 will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If renewed, the $763.34 per pupil levy will begin with taxes payable in 2016, ending in 2026.
Currently the levy generates about $948,000 in annual revenue.