This site provides information for taxpayers of Independent School District 553, New York Mills Public Schools regarding how the District’s proposed bond and capital project levy referendum may affect property taxes. The site was prepared in cooperation with Ehlers, the District’s independent municipal advisor. If you have questions about the information on this site, please contact Ehlers using the information provided below.
About the Referendum
The School Board of Independent School District No. 553, New York Mills Public Schools, will hold a referendum on November 3, 2026, asking voters to approve three questions.
Question 1 proposes to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $22,160,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to:
- Building and equipping a new band and choir suite
- Renovating and expanding physical education, fitness, and wrestling spaces
- Updating and constructing career and technical education (CTE) areas
- Adding new classrooms and remodeling existing learning spaces
- Improving administrative offices and constructing secure entrances
- Renovating the kitchen, concession stand, and restrooms
- Addressing deferred maintenance, such as flooring, gym sound system, building envelope repairs, drainage, and parking lot upgrades
In addition, the School Board is proposing a new capital project levy equal to 2.7102% of the District’s net tax capacity. This levy would raise about $200,000 per year, starting with taxes payable in 2027, and would be in place for 10 years. These funds, estimated to support about $2 million in projects, would be used for:
- Technology for students and staff
- Classroom technology and network infrastructure
- Safety, security, and cybersecurity upgrades
- Technology‑related staffing and training
- Transportation, curriculum, facility updates, and utility costs
Question 2 proposes to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $2,590,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to:
- Remodeling and repurposing of the existing media center
- Replacement of auditorium sound system, rigging, lights and interior finishes
- Addressing deferred capital maintenance needs at the bus garage
Question 3 proposes to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,485,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, constructing and equipping:
- A new football field
- A new track facility
- New softball fields
- New baseball fields
All proposed projects have received a positive review and comment from the Minnesota Commissioner of Education.
For more information on how these funds would be used, return to the District’s referendum website.
Impact on Property Taxes
Approval of the ballot questions would result in a property tax increase beginning with taxes payable in 2027. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for 10 years for the capital project levy and 20 years for the bonds beginning with taxes payable in 2027. To determine the estimated impact of the proposed ballot questions on your 2027 taxes, follow the instructions below or view sample property types and values here.
Your 2027 taxes will be based on the 2026 Estimated Market Value (EMV), which was provided on the “Notice of Valuation and Classification” mailed by your county in March 2026.
Click on the link below and enter your search criteria to locate your property. When the search results appear, select your parcel number. On the left‑hand menu, choose “Property Values.” Then use the EMV Total listed for Pay Year 2027 and enter that value into the calculator below.
Becker County Property Search
Online Calculators: Estimating Tax Impact
Residential Homestead/House, Garage and One Acre (HGA) Property
If you own a RESIDENTIAL HOMESTEAD or HOUSE, GARAGE and ONE ACRE (HGA) property, enter the Estimated Market Value below to see the estimated tax impact.
Commercial / Industrial Property
If you own COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL property, enter the Estimated Market Value below to see the estimated tax impact.
Seasonal Recreational Residential Property
If you own SEASONAL RECREATIONAL RESIDENTIAL property, enter the Estimated Market Value to see the potential tax impact.
Agricultural or Other Property
If you own agricultural or other types of property, please complete the following form and submit it to Ehlers. Once we receive it, an Ehlers representative will contact your county to find the value and classification of your property, calculate the tax impact and contact you via phone or email with the results. Please allow 1-3 days for completion.
School Building Bond Agricultural Credit
The property tax credit reduces taxes for owners of agricultural property in an amount equivalent to 70% of the taxes attributable to school district debt service for all agricultural property, except for the house, garage, and one acre. This credit is directly deducted from property taxes owed and applies to debt service levies for all types of existing and future bonds for construction and renovation projects. The credit is paid through an open and standing appropriation, which means that no action by the Legislature is required each year for this credit to be paid from the state general fund. The credit is automatically deducted on the tax statement and is included in the tax impact estimates provided by Ehlers.
PLEASE NOTE: you may enter multiple property IDs by clicking the “+” button at the end of each row.
If you have any questions regarding your agricultural submission, please call Roxy with our School Finance Team at (651) 697-8584.
There are certain Minnesota Tax Credits and Deferrals that may affect certain property owners' situations. They include:
Minnesota Homestead Credit Refund
If your household income is less than approximately $142,490, you may qualify for the Homestead Credit Refund (also known as the “Circuit Breaker” refund). This program, which has existed since the 1970s, is intended to reduce tax burdens for homeowners with relatively low incomes and relatively high property tax burdens. Some important facts about this program are summarized below.
- Available each year to owners of homestead property
- Applies only to the taxes attributable to the house, garage, and one acre on agricultural homestead property
- Available to all owners of residential homestead and agricultural homestead property with household incomes of less than $142,490
- Refund is on a sliding scale, based on your income and your total property tax burden
- The maximum refund is $3,480
- To determine eligibility and refund amounts, complete Minnesota tax form M1PR
For more information and instructions on obtaining a property tax refund, please visit https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-refund.
Special Property Tax Refund
If your total property taxes increase by more than 12 percent and more than $100 from one year to the next, you may qualify for a state refund equal to a portion of the increase. There is no income limit for this refund and the maximum refund is $1,000.
To determine eligibility and refund amounts, complete Minnesota tax form M1PR.
For more information and instructions on obtaining a property tax refund, please visit https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-refund.
Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral
If you are 65 years or older and have a household income of $96,000 or less, you may be eligible to defer a portion of the property taxes on your home, through the Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral Program. The program:
- Limits the maximum amount of property tax you pay to 3 percent of your total household income
- Provides predictability; the amount of tax you pay will not change for as long as you participate in this program
For more information and instructions on obtaining a property tax refund, please visit https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-refund.
Income Taxes
If you itemize deductions for federal income taxes, you may deduct a portion of your property taxes paid.
Starting with your 2024 taxes, renters can claim the Renter’s refundable credit on a Minnesota income tax return. Renters will no longer file a Renter’s Property Tax Refund.