Nov. 5, a special election will be held to consider increasing the Becker Schools general education revenue by $110 per pupil and renewal of the capital project levy.

Two questions will be on the ballot with spaces for voters to indicate a “yes” or “no” answer. By voting “yes” to the general revenue increase in question one, the voter is approving a property tax increase.

For example, a residential household with a market value of $250,000 would see a $48.85 annual increase to their property tax. A commercial business valued at $500,000 would see a $97.70 annual increase. An agricultural homestead valued at $516,000 would see an annual bump of $39.08.

By voting “yes” to the capital project levy in question two, the voter is approving the renewal of the existing capital projects referendum, scheduled to expire in 2019. 

Becker Public Schools has proposed a capital project levy authorization of 1.8340% times the net tax capacity of the school district.  This authorization would renew the school district’s existing capital project levy authorization for technology.  The money raised by this authorization will provide funds for the acquisition, installation and maintenance of instructional technology.  

The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $494,215 for taxes payable in 2020, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for 10 years.  The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $4,942,150.

Any eligible voter residing in the school district may vote at city hall Nov. 5.  The polls for the election will be opened at 7 a.m. and will close at 8 p.m.

A voter must be registered to vote to be eligible to vote in this election.  An unregistered individual may register to vote at the polling place on election day.