Wrenshall levy soars 26 percent

The number is big, but not a real surprise for residents of the Wrenshall school district. Taxes for residents and business owners will go up 26 percent next year. The school board approved the increase Monday at its regular meeting after a truth in taxation meeting and audit report Dec. 8.

There was no public comment about the increase at either meeting. It is fueled by the continuing building improvement projects in the district the past year. The levy is increasing by $311,202, at $1.5 million for payable taxes in 2022 after $1.2 million this year.

The largest expense for taxpayers in the district budget is for building construction debt, about $3.5 million. The audit showed that had there been no construction, the district would have been at a break-even point for the year. The district has spent about $5 million to shore up its buildings and has nearly $3 million left in its building fund.

Using estimates gathered by the district earlier this year for the building improvements costs, the levy increase would bump taxes up nearly $130 on a home valued at $200,000. A business with a $250,000 market value would see an increase of about $300.

Covid jump

Superintendent Kim Belcastro reported at Monday’s meeting that there have been staff shortages at the school this month with 13 Covid-19 cases in 14 days. It led to the cancellation of the holiday music program, which is tentatively rescheduled for January.

Another effect of the continuing pandemic manifested itself in the busing department. Six students have been suspended from bus service after unruly behavior when substitute drivers have been at the wheel. The district will put teaching staff on buses when a sub is driving to stem the bad behavior.

— Mike Creger / Pine Knot News