Schools lead the way in tax levy increases

The Minnesota Department of Revenue has released its annual list of preliminary maximum property tax levies from local governments, which in many cases could lead to higher individual tax bills.

Not surprisingly, considering last week’s local school referenda, the more sizable increases are from the schools. Statewide, it’s about a 7.5 percent increase, with about half of that with the permission of voters in those referenda.

Here’s the top increases among schools.

The preliminary tax levy from cities, meanwhile, is 5.2 percent.

The biggest increase goes to Gilman, Minn., a burg of a little more than 200 northwest of St. Cloud.

Not surprisingly, most of the larger levy increases are in small towns.

That’s true of counties, also. The top increases are all found in outlying areas.

Counties have collectively filed for a 3.7 percent increase.

Of course, none of this is official. Truth in Taxation hearings will be held later this month and next, giving officials a chance to whittle some of the increases down.