Fargo Schools Seek 110 Mill Levy in Nov. 3 Election
Voters will decide whether to cap the district's property tax rate at a level below its current 127 mills.
By David Marshall ·
Fargo Public Schools is asking residents to vote on a measure that will determine the district's future property tax authority. The ballot question, appearing in the general election on Nov. 3, asks voters to approve a general fund levy of 110 mills effective Dec. 31, 2027. This rate is lower than the district's current general fund levy of 127 mills.
The levy is a property tax rate used to fund daily school operations, including staff salaries and benefits. Superintendent Dr. Cory Steiner stated that approving the levy would not raise taxes for individual property owners. He described the measure as a continuation of practices the district has used for many years to maintain its current level of service.
According to Steiner, 80% of the general fund money goes toward salary and benefits. The remaining 20% covers software, technology, transportation for programs, and supplies. The district says that maintaining this funding level allows it to keep its current offerings in schools.
The ballot text notes that the district's current general fund levy is 127.00 mills. It also identifies the current statutory general fund limitation as 70 mills on the dollar of the taxable valuation of the school district. Voters will be asked if the district should have a general fund mill levy of 110.00 mills starting Dec. 31, 2027.
The district explains that a yes vote means it will receive tax dollars based on the true assessed value of individual properties. A no vote would freeze the district's tax revenue at the actual property tax dollars collected in the 2027-28 fiscal year. This would prevent the district from receiving additional general fund tax dollars as the city grows or property values change.
Steiner warned that failing to pass the levy would force the district to make budget adjustments, including cuts and reorganizations to programs, staffing, and services. He said a no vote would cause the district to play catch-up with its budget rather than adapting to community needs. In 2017, voters approved an excess levy of 127 mills. For the 2025-26 school year, the school board split this authority into separate levies for general, miscellaneous, and tuition funds. The 110 mill request applies only to the general fund, while the other two remain separate.
