Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Referendum?
Election day is May 14, 2024 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Make your plan to vote by visiting the voting information webpage.
What are the key benefits of the Referendum?
Improve the safety and security of the building.
Protect the building from the ongoing damaging effects of water intrusion.
Improve energy efficiency through replacement of exterior doors, windows, building systems, and heating/ventilation systems.
Improve student learning environments.
Add handicap accessibility so ALL students, staff, and community members can have an equal opportunity to enjoy and participate in academics or events at Norman County East School District.
The valuation of my property showed an increase on the notice that I received from the county, so does that mean my taxes will be increasing even without the passage of the bond referendum?
If all properties increase by the same percentage, then each property owner will pay the same share of total school taxes; however, if the property value increases by more or less than the average amount, then you will pay a larger or smaller share of school taxes.
What is Ag2School Tax Credit?
In 2017, Minnesota State Legislature conceived and passed the Ag2School tax credit program significantly reducing the tax burden on agricultural landowners.
The Ag2School Tax Credit is an automatic 70% property tax credit for owners of agricultural land.
There is no application to receive the Ag2School credit.
This tax credit program is not a tax deduction – it is an automatic dollar-for-dollar credit with no application required.
The credit is reduced automatically on the agricultural landowner’s property tax bill.
Non-agricultural landowners (homeowners) will NOT see an increase in their taxes as a result of this tax credit – the burden for the credit is entirely paid by the State.
Read more by visiting the Ag2School Tax Credit webpage.
What is the impact on farmers?
Minnesota recognizes that a lot of tax burden is put on farmers. As such, 70% of the tax impact on farmers is paid for by the State. In our district, that means that nearly half of the project is being funded by the State.
How much will the State pay if both questions are passed?
Due to the Ag2School Tax Credit program, if both referendum questions pass on May 14, 2024, the the State of Minnesota will pay approximately $3.9 million of the total bond amount. That equates to over 54% of the referendum project total cost!