Forest Lake board certifies preliminary 2027 levy; estimates about $8 a year on $500,000 home

The Forest Lake Area Schools Board on Thursday certified the district's preliminary property tax levy for 2027 after a finance committee review that showed a modest rise in the levy. Director Rem Bergaiti told trustees the district's levy increase was about 3.75% while the tax base rose about 3.5%.

"So overall, on a $500,000 house, if everything stood where it was now, in the levy and you were $500,000 last year, $500,000 this tax season, you would see an $8 increase per year on your taxes for the school," Bergaiti said. He said certifying the maximum now preserves flexibility; the board will set the final levy in December after Ehlers and district staff complete calculations.

The finance committee also noted limited room to adjust debt-related levies tied to 105% debt collection requirements and said staff will continue to work with financial advisers about whether to use excess debt funds to lower the rate. The board voted to certify the preliminary levy so that tax statements can be printed on schedule.

The action was procedural: certifying the maximum lets the district proceed with statutorily required notices and preserves options to adjust downward before final certification in December.