Murray County Central Schools announced on Friday, March 24, 2023 the launch of a new website page– MCC CAPITAL PROJECT LEVY – to provide residents with information about the school district’s capital projects levy referendum that will appear on the May 9, 2023 ballot.
If approved, the levy would provide $530,000 annually to the district over a 10-year period to help stabilize the district’s operating budget and provide critical revenue for capital eligible expenses that have been taken out of our general fund.
The new webpage offers a wide variety of information about the school district’s needs, details about the plan, effects on taxpayers and how and when to vote.
“Our goal is to present voters with a plan that helps address our ongoing challenges while providing taxpayers with the best value for their money,” said Murray County Central Superintendent Joe Meyer.
Over the last two years, MCC Schools has been forced to make over $400,000 in cuts to positions, programs, and student services as state funding has failed to keep up with rising costs.
Even with these cost-saving measures, the district is facing a $300,000 deficit for the 2022-2023 school year.
Additionally, school buildings and facilities require repairs and maintenance in infrastructure, air quality and technology.
If approved, the capital projects levy would provide funding to help make repairs/improvements in school buildings and grounds without cutting into operating funds that support faculty and staff, supplies and student programs and services.
In addition, the district has found and will continue to explore one-time grant dollars for additional revenue streams that qualify for school use. Inflationary costs over the last few years have had a definite negative effect on our district budgets.
The estimated cost of the capital projects levy on a Murray County home with a market value of $200,000 would be approximately $5.25 per month or $63 per year.
The MCC school board is hosting a public meeting on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 to review the Minnesota Department of Education’s positive review and comment regarding the levy and to answer any questions and concerns. Representatives from Ehlers, MCC’s public finance advisors, will also be on hand to discuss the tax impact on district patrons. The meeting will be held in the high school auditorium at 7:00 p.m. (2420 28th St. Slayton, MN).
Additional information can be found here: https://5il.co/1r79j
Voting Information/Tax Impact: tinyurl.com/bdfztc9y
Residents with questions can contact Superintendent Joe Meyer at Joe.Meyer@mcc.mntm.org or 507-836-6575.