Cost and Tax Impact
Being Responsible with Local Funding While Meeting Critical Needs
Despite our best efforts, we've reached a point where we can no longer absorb the cost of essential technology and security systems within our current budget without cutting the programs our community values. That is why Kimball Area Schools is asking voters to consider authorizing the amount of funding needed to balance the budget and protect what we have.
If approved by district voters this November, the levy would provide $661,605 annually for the next 10 years.
How was this amount determined?
We did the math on what we are spending on our technology and cybersecurity investments, insurance and maintenance and analyzed our budget deficit. The number we are proposing is what it costs to fund technology in the modern era. This isn't padding. This is what we actually need to spend to keep our schools safe, secure and competitive.
Monthly and Annual Tax Impact by Home Value
The tax impact depends on your home's assessed value. If approved by voters this November, starting in 2027:
A home valued at $250,000 would have an estimated tax increase of $11 per month ($132/year).
A home valued at $350,000 would have an estimated tax increase of $16.34 per month ($196/year).
A home valued at $400,000 would have an estimated tax increase of $19 per month ($228/year).
Note: Agricultural property will pay taxes based only on the value of the house, garage, and one acre. Seasonal recreation properties are exempt from the capital projects levy.
Curious about your specific impacts? We worked with a financial advisor to create a tax calculator that allows you to see how the levy would impact you individually should voters approve the capital projects levy this fall.
Fiscal Responsibility
Kimball has a strong track record of careful financial management. Here's what our district has demonstrated:
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Our community has not seen a net increase to school-related property taxes since 2016. This is a testament to our careful budget management.
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When voters approved the tax-neutral building bond in 2022, we promised to deliver the project responsibly. We came in under budget while still incorporating many features our community hoped to see.
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Any funds approved by voters will be used exclusively for the technology and security purposes outlined in this levy. The School Board will use these funds to offset technology costs, allowing the district to better maintain a balanced budget while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.
Tax Relief Opportunities
There are programs available to help Minnesota property owners, renters and seniors offset property tax increases. Refunds will range from 53% to 88% of the excess property tax you pay, as determined by a state formula based on income.
The referendum may make you eligible for state refunds/credits or may increase the amount from any refunds/credits you already receive. In addition, an increase in property taxes may be deductible on your federal tax return if you itemize deductions.
See what you may be qualified for below.The tax impact depends on your home's assessed value. If approved by voters this November, starting in 2027:
Potential Ways to Offset Your Tax Impact
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Minnesota offers two types of Homestead Credit Refund can provide relief to homeowners paying property taxes. You may qualify for one or both of these refunds if you:
Own and occupy a home
Have your home classified as a homestead with your county
Pay or arrange to pay your property taxes
The first kind of Homestead Credit Refund is a “regular refund” which is based on your income and property taxes. To claim the regular refund, you must have owned and lived in your home on January 2, 2026 and your household income for 2025 was less than $142,490.
The second kind of Homestead Credit Refund is considered a “special refund” and is based on how much your property tax increased. To claim the special refund, you must have owned and lived in the same home on January 2, 2025, and January 2, 2026, and have a net property tax that increased more than 12% between 2025 and 2026 and totaled at least $100. The increase cannot be because of improvements you made to your property.
Visit the State’s website to learn more about the Homestead Credit Refund and how to apply using Form M1PR .
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Minnesota offers Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens which may allow you to defer a portion of the property taxes you owe if the property tax you pay will be 3% of your total household income based on your prior year income. To qualify, all of these must be true:
You are 65 or older in the year you apply. If married, one of you is 65 or older and the other is at least 62.
Your total household income is $96,000 or less.
You have owned and lived in your home for the last 5 years.
Your home has been homesteaded for 5 years.
You do not have a reverse mortgage, a life estate, any state or federal tax liens, or judgment liens on your property.
Other liens against your property are less than 75% of the estimated market value.
Visit the State’s website to learn more about the Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens.
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If you are a renter, you may be eligible to claim the Renter's Credit as part of your Minnesota Individual Income Tax return (Form M1). The Renter's Credit is a refundable credit on an income tax return. It decreases how much you owe or increases your refund. To qualify, all of these must be true:
You have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
You must be a full-year or part-year Minnesota resident.
You lived in and paid rent on a Minnesota building where the owner was assessed property tax or made payments in lieu of property tax.
Your household income is below $77,570 (see below).
You cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
Visit the State’s website to learn more about the Renter’s Credit and how to claim it on your income tax return.
This is an important community decision and residents will have the final say when they vote on or before November 3.