Fargo Schools Seek 110 Mill Tax Cap

Fargo Public Schools is requesting voter approval for a general fund levy of 110 mills, a measure that appears on the November 3 ballot. The district currently operates under a general fund levy of 127 mills. If approved, the new 110 mill rate would become effective on December 31, 2027.

The levy determines the property tax rate used to fund daily operations and staff salaries. Superintendent Dr. Cory Steiner stated that the proposed change would not raise taxes. He described the measure as a continuation of long-standing district practices. Steiner noted that 80 percent of the general fund supports salary and benefits, while the remaining 20 percent covers software, technology, transportation, and supplies.

The ballot question asks whether the district should have a general fund mill levy of 110.00 mills effective December 31, 2027. It notes that the current statutory general fund limitation is 70 mills on the dollar of taxable valuation. The district’s current general fund levy is listed as 127.00 mills on the ballot.

A yes vote allows the district to collect tax dollars based on the true assessed value of property. A no vote freezes the district’s tax revenue at the actual dollars collected during the 2027-28 fiscal year. Under a freeze, the district would not receive additional general fund tax dollars as the city grows or property values change. The district warns that a failed vote would require budget adjustments, including cuts and reorganizations to programs, staffing, and services.

Steiner argued that failing to pass the levy would force the district to play catch-up with its budget. He said great school districts must remain nimble and adaptable to community needs. Without the measure, he claimed the district would have to look backward instead of forward.

In 2017, voters approved an excess levy of 127 mills for Fargo Public Schools. For the 2025-26 school year, the school board restructured this authority into separate levies. This included 109.98 mills for the general fund, 12 mills for the miscellaneous fund, and 4.8 mills for the tuition fund. The miscellaneous and tuition fund mills will continue outside the new excess mill levy request.

The district states that approval grants it the authority to maintain its current school offerings. The next step is the November 3 general election, where voters will cast their ballots on this measure.