Dassel-Cokato School Board sets maximum levy, up 4.22% - Enterprise Dispatch

The Dassel-Cokato school board voted at its Sept. 28 regular meeting to set a preliminary ceiling on the property tax levy that will be collected in 2027. The ceiling is 4.22% above the current levy. State timing rules required action by Sept. 30. The figure will show up on proposed tax notices that the county mails to property owners, and it will support the 2027-28 school year. The board is expected to certify the final levy in December, following a truth in taxation hearing.

The district's finance director, Tina Palmer, said the ceiling protects the district's ability to collect its full allowed amount if the state education department revises its numbers, though she does not expect that. She said an inflation-linked rise of 2.14% in the per-pupil amount drives much of the increase and adds about $82,000 to the referendum operating levy. Two other levy pieces, she said, move costs from state aid to local taxpayers while bringing in less total money. Community education and debt service also factor in.

The board also saw preliminary 2025-26 audit figures. The general fund balance is projected at just under 13% of spending, inside the board's 10% to 15% policy range. The final audit is due for approval in October. Separately, the district will stop catering its own events because food service is short three staff, and booster clubs may need to adjust.