Referendum Approval Fuels 29.5% Rochester Schools Tax Collection Increase

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester Public School Board certified the district’s 2025 property tax levy Tuesday night. 

Read More: 2024 Election: Rochester-Area Results 

The tax levy approval comes over a month after voters approved a 10-year, $19.4 million per year referendum that increases the district’s per-pupil spending by $1,133.

The referendum's passing averted the closing of schools and sweeping cuts for district programs. 

In September the school board approved setting the 2025 property tax levy at $79,425,413. The referendum approval allows the district to increase next year’s property tax levy by just under $20 million. 

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Rochester, MN School Board Approves 29.5% Property Tax Levy Increase for 2025

School board members unanimously voted to set the district's 2025 property tax levy at $98,893,092, a 29.5% increase from 2024. 

The 2025 tax levy will support a $67,954,219.48 general fund, $4,463,395.60 community service fund and $26,475,477.25 in debt service funding, according to the school board meeting agenda item. 

The 29.5% tax levy increase will up the property tax bill for a $350,000 home, which is the median home price within the school district boundaries, by $340, according to a presentation shown to board members. 

The annual property tax bill for a median priced home in the Rochester Public School District is now $1,480. Board members approved the budget following the district's annual Truth in Taxation meeting. 

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