How much will the referendum cost taxpayers in our district if it is approved by voters?

The investment plan will be presented to voters as two ballot questions:

The first will ask voters to approve an increase to the district’s debt limit from 5% to 10% of the true and full value of property in its jurisdiction. This will ensure the district has the legal authority to sell bonds for the full project cost. 

The second will ask voters to approve a building bond referendum for the project’s cost (approximately $15.2 million). This question cannot pass without the approval of Question One.

Your tax impact will depend upon the true and full value of your property, not market value. Projected residential tax impacts for both questions are:

To calculate your specific tax impact, download the tax calculator spreadsheet and enter the true and full value of property that you own.

Your tax impact will depend upon the true and full value of your property. Projected agricultural tax impacts for both questions are:

To calculate your specific tax impact, download the tax calculator spreadsheet and enter the true and full value of property that you own.

Frequently asked questions about the cost and tax impact

  • A school bond referendum is a local election where eligible voters decide whether to approve a property tax increase to pay for renovations, new construction, or other capital improvements to school buildings. For the referendum to succeed, it must receive at least 60% of the vote.

    Approval of a bond referendum grants authority for the district to sell bonds that fund the cost of improvements, and pay back those bonds over time using revenue from the property tax increase.

  • The Primary Residence Credit (PRC) was established during the 2023 Legislative Session under House Bill 1158. The credit provides all North Dakota homeowners with the option to apply for a state property tax credit through the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner. Homeowners with an approved application may receive up to a $500 credit against their 2025 property tax obligation. To be eligible for the credit, you must own a home (house, mobile home, townhome, duplex, or condo) in North Dakota, and reside in it as your primary residence. There are no age restrictions or income limitations for this credit. Only one Primary Residence Credit is available per household. Learn more here.

  • No. Our district has always budgeted conservatively to maximize our resources for teachers and daily learning expenses. However, we cannot make significant investments in our buildings without taking on debt given the extent of our most critical needs and the costs of construction.

  • Our district’s annual budget already struggles to keep up with general maintenance for our schools. In addition, the total cost of making improvements over time would be significantly greater than completing them all at once, since construction costs grow every year. A bond referendum would allow our district to make improvements immediately, so that all current and future students can experience the full benefits.

  • If the referendum is approved by voters this April, the district will have the opportunity to apply for a State School Construction Loan at a 2% interest rate. The process to obtain these funds is competitive and requires approved funding. Funds awarded through this loan would lower the overall cost of the investment plan, resulting in taxpayer savings.

  • No, not that we have a record of. Our district has always budgeted conservatively to maximize our resources for teachers and daily learning expenses. However, we cannot make necessary repairs and improvements to our buildings without taking on debt given the extent of our needs and the costs of construction.

All eligible voters in our district will be able to vote in the referendum.