South school briefs: Maximum tax levy still is less than last year

Maximum tax levy still is less than last yearThe Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school board has approved a property tax levy that, for the third year in a row, will be less than the previous year. But the proposed levy is still the maximum allowed by the state.

The board approved a proposed property tax levy for 2012, payable next year, that the district says is 2.5 percent less than the current year.

The proposed levy of $73.9 million is $1.9 million less than the 2012 levy of $75.8 million. The 2011 tax levy was $78.4 million, and for 2010, it was $79.4 million.

The final levy that the board will approve in December may be less than $73.9 million, but it cannot exceed it.

Jeff Solomon, the district's director of finance and operations, said the levy decrease is due in part to a large reduction in the debt service levy of $833,000 as a result of refinancing district debt obligations.

The proposed levy will now be sent to Dakota County. In November, the county will mail notices to property owners showing their estimated taxes based on proposed levies approved by the school district, cities, the county and other taxing agencies.

The school board will certify a final levy at its Dec. 10 meeting. Residents will have opportunities to comment on the proposed levy prior to the board's action at that meeting.

Julie Singewald is the lone incumbent running this year for the board. There are two other seats on the ballot being contested.

There are a total of seven candidates running. In addition to Singewald, they are: Eric Bartosh, Laura Beem, Rob Carpentier, Jake Cordes, John Guist and Anthony MacDonald.

Foundation 191 sets Oct. 25 fundraiserComedian and juggler Jason Huneke will headline the eighth annual Foundation 191 fundraising event on Oct. 25 at the McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center in Savage. Huneke has performed his G-rated comedy juggling show on "America's Got Talent" and on Carnival Cruise Line.

The money raised will benefit Foundation 191, the education foundation of the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District.

The event begins with a social hour and silent auction at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at www.foundation191.org or from any Foundation 191 board member.