Every Minnesotan will have at least one ballot question this November, as the state tries to renew the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
But voters across Northern Minnesota communities may have additional ballot questions for their county, city, township or school district, as local governments try to fund new projects or change their governmental structures.
KAXE compiled a list of ballot questions voters in our region may see. Not sure whether a question applies to you? Use the Secretary of State’s Office What’s on my Ballot? tool to view a sample ballot.
Know of a helpful resource with more information on a ballot question that we don’t have linked? Email news@kaxe.org.
Constitutional Amendment
Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Renewal
Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to protect drinking water sources and the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams; conserve wildlife habitat and natural areas; improve air quality; and expand access to parks and trails by extending the transfer of proceeds from the state-operated lottery to the environment and natural resources trust fund, and to dedicate the proceeds for these purposes?
County Question
Kittson County Courthouse and Highway Department Facilities
Shall Kittson County be authorized to issue general obligation capital improvement bonds in an amount not to exceed $8,000,000 to provide funds for the improvement and betterment of the Kittson County Courthouse and the construction, improvement, and equipping of highway department facilities in the County? By voting "yes" on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase.
School District Questions
Badger
School District Question 1 Approval of New School District Referendum Revenue Authorization
The board of Independent School District No. 676 (Badger), Minnesota has proposed to increase the School District's general education revenue by $967.93 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed new referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2024 for taxes payable in 2025 and applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the new referendum authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 676 (Badger), Minnesota be approved? Passage of this referendum will result in an increase in your property taxes
School District Question 2: Approval of Additional New School District Referendum Revenue Authorization
The board of Independent School District No. 676 (Badger), Minnesota has proposed to increase the School District's general education revenue by an additional $967.93 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed new referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2024 for taxes payable in 2025 and applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the additional new referendum authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 676 (Badger), Minnesota be approved? Passage of this referendum will result in an increase in your property taxes
More information from the school district can be found here.
Cook County
Approval of School Building Bonds Question 1
Shall the board of Independent School District No. 166 (Cook County Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $24,175,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, the construction of a secured entrance addition, physical education addition, including a single-court gymnasium, and classroom, common area and special education improvements? By voting "yes" on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase
Approval of School Building Bonds Question 2
If School District Question 1 above is approved, shall the board of Independent School District No. 166 (Cook County Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $9,155,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, districtwide performing arts improvements and outdoor learning space upgrades, construction of an updated bus maintenance shop, track surface, synthetic turf field, bleachers, concessions, score board, parking and lighting improvements? By voting "yes" on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase
Approval of School Building Bonds Question 3
If School District Question 1 and School District Question 2 above are approved, shall the board of Independent School District No. 166 (Cook County Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $3,450,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, the construction of a second court in the gymnasium referred to in School District Question 1? By voting "yes" on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase
More information from the school district can be found here.
Crosby-Ironton
School District Referendum Revenue Authorization
The school board of Independent School District No. 182 (Crosby-Ironton Schools) has proposed to increase its general education revenue by $1,500 per pupil. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years beginning with taxes payable in 2025, and increase each year by the rate of inflation beginning with taxes payable in 2026, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 182 be approved? By voting "yes" on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase
More information from the school district can be found here.
Ely
Approval of Capital Project Levy Authorization
The school board of Independent School District No. 696 (Ely Public Schools) has proposed a capital project levy authorization of 3.445% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The additional revenue from the proposed capital project levy authorization will be used to provide funds for the acquisition, installation, replacement, support and maintenance of software, educational software, software licenses, computers, improved technology equipment, networks, infrastructure, the costs of technology related personnel and training; the purchase and replacement of school buses and school-related transportation vehicles; and the acquisition of curriculum, textbooks and materials. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $350,000 for taxes payable in 2025, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $3,500,000. The projects to be funded have received a positive Review and Comment from the Commissioner of Education. Shall the capital project levy authorization proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 696 be approved? By voting "yes" on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase
More information from the school district can be found here.
Fisher
Approval of School District Referendum Revenue Authorization
The school board of Independent School District No. 600 (Fisher Public Schools) has proposed to increase its general education revenue by $1,271 per pupil. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years beginning with taxes payable in 2025, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 600 be approved? By voting "yes" on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase
More information from the school district can be found here.
Grygla
School District Question 1 Renewal of Expiring Capital Project Levy Authorization
The school board of Independent School District No. 447 (Grygla Public School) has proposed a capital project levy authorization of 6.286% times the net tax capacity of the school district. This authorization would renew the school district's existing authorization which is scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2024. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $156,642 for taxes payable in 2025, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $1,566,420. The Additional revenue raised by the proposed authorization will be used to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including deferred maintenance and renovation projects, the acquisition and maintenance of software, technology and technology systems, and to pay the costs of technology-related personnel and training; the purchase and replacement of school-related transportation vehicles; and the acquisition of curriculum, textbooks and materials. The projects to be funded have received a positive Review and Comment from the Commissioner of Education. Shall the renewal of the capital project levy authorization proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 447 be approved? By voting "yes" on this ballot question, you are voting to renew an existing capital projects referendum that is scheduled to expire.
School District Question 2 Revoke an Existing Referendum Revenue Authorization; Approving New Authorization
The school of Independent School District No. 447 (Grygla Public School) has also proposed to revoke the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $460 per pupil and to replace that authorization with a new authorization of $2,175 per pupil. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years commencing with taxes payable in 2025, and increase each year by the rate of inflation beginning with taxes payable in 2026, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization be revoked, and the increase in the revenue proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 447 be approved? By voting "yes" on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase
School District Question 3 Approval of Capital Project Levy Authorization
The school board of Independent School District No. 447 (Grygla Public School) has also proposed a capital project levy authorization of 4.013% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The additional revenue from the proposed authorization will be used to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including deferred maintenance and renovation projects, the acquisition and maintenance of software, technology and technology systems, the costs of technology-related personnel and training; the purchase and replacement of school-related transportation vehicles; and the acquisition of curriculum, textbooks and materials. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $100,000 for taxes payable in 2025, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $1,000,000. The projects to be funded have received a positive Review and Comment from the Commissioner of Education. Shall the capital project levy authorization proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 447 be approved? By voting "yes" on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase
More information from the school district can be found here.
Kittson Central
Approval of School District Referendum Revenue Authorization
The school board of Independent School District No. 2171 (Kittson Central) has proposed to increase its general education revenue by $4,546 per pupil. A portion of this proposed referendum revenue authorization would replace the school district's prior authorization of $3,546 per pupil which is scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2025. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years beginning with taxes payable in 2026, and increase each year by the rate of inflation beginning with taxes payable in 2027, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 2171 be approved? By voting "yes" on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase
More information from the school district can be found here.
Lake of the Woods
Approval of Capital Project Levy Authorization
The school board of Independent School District No. 390 (Lake of the Woods) has proposed a capital project levy authorization of 5.05% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $400,000 for taxes payable in 2025, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $4,000,000. The additional revenue from the proposed capital project levy authorization will be used to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including deferred maintenance and renovation projects, the acquisition, installation, replacement, support and maintenance of software, educational software, software licenses, computers, improved technology equipment, networks, infrastructure, the costs of technology related personnel and training; the purchase and replacement of school buses and school-related transportation vehicles; and the acquisition of curriculum, textbooks and materials. The projects to be funded have received a positive review and comment from the Commissioner of Education. Shall the capital project levy authorization proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 390 be approved? By voting "yes" on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase
Approval of School District Bond Issue
Shall the school board of Independent School District No. 390 (Lake of the Woods) be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $4,000,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction of site safety and traffic flow improvements to the school site and facility; and the completion of various deferred maintenance and infrastructure projects at that facility, including roof repairs, exterior masonry, flooring repair and improvements? By voting "yes" on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase
More information from the school district here.
Roseau
School District Question Approval of New School District Referendum Revenue Authorization
The board of Independent School District No. 682 (Roseau Public Schools), Minnesota has proposed to increase the School District's general education revenue by $1,050 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed new referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2024 for taxes payable in 2025 and applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the new referendum authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 682 (Roseau Public Schools), Minnesota be approved? Passage of this referendum will result in an increase in your property taxes
More information from the school district can be found here.
Thief River Falls
Approval of School District Referendum Revenue Authorization
The School Board of Independent School District No. 564 (Thief River Falls), Minnesota has proposed to increase the School District's general education revenue by $900 per pupil. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2024 for taxes payable in 2025 and would be applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the increase in general education revenue proposed by the Board of Independent School District No. 564 (Thief River Falls), Minnesota be approved? By voting "yes" on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase
More information from the school district can be found here.
City Questions
Blackduck
Pine Tree Park Campground Improvement Sales Tax
Shall the City of Blackduck impose a sales and use tax of one-half of one percent (0.5%) for up to 20 years or until $200,000 is collected, plus an amount equal to interest and the costs of issuance of any bonds, for electricity and utility improvements at the Pine Tree Park Campground, which may include upgrades to the campground's 30 RV sites with electricity, water and sewer hookups. The total sales and use tax approved by voters at this election to finance this project and any other project will not exceed one-half of one percent (0.5%).
Walking Trail Improvements Sales Tax
Shall the City of Blackduck impose a sales and use tax of one-half of one percent (0.5%) for up to 20 years or until $300,000 is collected, plus an amount equal to interest and the costs of issuance of any bonds, for trail extensions and improvements adjacent to Wayside Rest Park, which may include trail extensions and trail improvements adjacent to Wayside Rest Park. The total sales and use tax approved by voters at this election to finance this project and any other project will not exceed one-half of one percent (0.5%).
Wayside Rest Park Improvements Sales Tax
Shall the City of Blackduck impose a sales and use tax of one-half of one percent (0.5%) for up to 20 years or until $250,000 is collected, plus an amount equal to interest and the costs of issuance of any bonds, for construction of a playground and ADA-compliant restroom at the City Wayside Rest Park, which may include winterizing the Wayside Rest public restroom building; expanding the building to offer year-round tourism information; rehabilitating the restrooms to comply with ADA standards; and enhancing playground equipment. The total sales and use tax approved by voters at this election to finance this project and any other project will not exceed one-half of one percent (0.5%).
Golf Course Irrigation Improvements Sales Tax
Shall the City of Blackduck impose a sales and use tax of one-half of one percent (0.5%) for up to 20 years or until $150,000 is collected, plus an amount equal to interest and the costs of issuance of any bonds, for irrigation improvements to the Blackduck Golf Course, which may include extending the current irrigation system to the fairways and tee boxes by running a mainline watermain throughout the course with branched lines for sprinkler heads and installing a pumphouse to handle the increased flow demands. The total sales and use tax approved by voters at this election to finance this project and any other project will not exceed one-half of one percent (0.5%).
Library Rehabilitation Sales Tax
Shall the City of Blackduck impose a sales and use tax of one-half of one percent (0.5%) for up to 20 years or until $100,000 is collected, plus an amount equal to interest and the costs of issuance of any bonds, for rehabilitation of the Blackduck Community Library, which may include expanding and rehabilitating the existing Blackduck Library facility. The total sales and use tax approved by voters at this election to finance this project and any other project will not exceed one-half of one percent (0.5%).
Detroit Lakes
Imposition of Sales Tax for the Pavilion, Park, Beachfront, and Parking Improvement Project
Shall the City of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota be authorized to impose a temporary sales and use tax of one-half of one percent for a period of approximately twelve years or until approximately $17,300,000, plus an amount equal to interest and the costs of issuing any bonds is raised, to pay the costs of collecting and administering the tax and to finance all or a portion of the costs of construction of a new Pavilion, and park improvements, beachfront improvements, and parking improvements; provided that such tax shall terminate sooner if the City Council determines that all such costs have been paid?
East Grand Forks
Imposition of Sales and Use Tax for Civic Center Project
Shall the City of East Grand Forks be authorized to (i) impose a temporary sales and use tax of one percent (1%) to finance all or a portion of the costs of the reconstruction and remodeling of, and upgrades and additions to, the Civic Center Sports Complex, for a period of 20 years or until approximately $6,745,000 plus the costs of collecting and administering the tax and the costs of issuing any bonds including interest is collected, whichever comes first; and (ii) issue general obligation bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $6,745,000, plus associated bonding costs, to finance such project? The total sales and use tax approved by voters at this election to finance this project and any other project will not exceed one percent (1%).
Imposition of Sales and Use Tax for VFW Memorial Arena Project
Shall the City of East Grand Forks be authorized to (i) impose a temporary sales and use tax of one percent (1%) to finance all or a portion of the costs of the reconstruction and remodeling of, and upgrades and additions to, the VFW Memorial Arena for a period of 20 years or until approximately $8,000,000 plus the costs of collecting and administering the tax and the costs of issuing any general obligation bonds including interest is collected, whichever comes first; and (ii) issue general obligation bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $8,000,000, plus associated bonding costs, to finance such project? The total sales and use tax approved by voters at this election to finance this project and any other project will not exceed one percent (1%).
Gilbert
Charter Amendment
Shall the City of Gilbert adopt the proposed charter as amended by the City Charter Commission and recommended by the City Council?
The Gilbert charter, with proposed amendments in red, can be found here.
Hibbing
Referendum for the Regional Public Safety Center
Shall the City of Hibbing be authorized to impose a temporary sales and use tax in an amount equal to one-half of one percent (0.5%) to finance all or a portion of the cost of constructing a new regional public safety center that would house the city's fire department, emergency medical services, and police department, including personnel, vehicles, equipment and storage of evidence? The sales and use tax would be in effect for a period of up to twenty (20) years after the tax is first imposed or until the amount received is sufficient to pay $19,600,000 in project costs plus the costs of issuance on any bonds issued to finance the project including interest on the bonds, whichever comes first.
More information from the city of Hibbing can be found here.
Kennedy
VFW Sunday Liquor License
Should the City Council of Kennedy be allowed to issue on-sale licenses to eligible establishments for the sale of intoxicating liquor at retail on Sundays?
Middle River
Sunday Liquor License
Should the Middle River city council be allowed to issue on-sale licenses to eligible establishments for the sale of intoxicating liquor at retail on Sundays?
Palisade
Municipal Liquor Store Operation
Shall the City of Palisade discontinue operating the municipal liquor store on January 10, 2027?
Hermantown
Sales and Use Tax for New Trail Connecting the City of Proctor Trails to the Munger Trail and Hermantown Trails
Shall the City of Proctor impose a sales and use tax of one-half of one percent (0.50%) for up to 20 years or until $6,900,000.00 plus an amount equal to interest costs and the costs associated with the issuance of any bonds is raised to finance the design and construction of a new regional and statewide trail spur that would connect the City of Proctor's trails with the Munger Trail and Hermantown Trail systems?
Taconite
Change of Optional Plan A Appointment of Clerk and Treasurer
Shall Optional Plan A, modifying the standard plan of city government by providing for the appointment by the council of the clerk and treasurer be adopted for the government of the city?
Warren
Proposed Revised City Charter
Shall the proposed revised city charter be adopted? By voting "yes" on this ballot question, you are voting yes for approving the revised city charter.
Township Questions
Multiple townships are asking voters to approve a change in their governmental structure.
By default, town boards consist of three supervisors, a clerk and a treasurer —all of whom are elected. Minnesota statute designates four alternative options towns can adopt:
- Option A - Five Supervisor Board
- Option B - Appointed Clerk and/or Treasurer
- Option C - Appoint a Town Administrator
- Option D - Combined Clerk and Treasurer
Boy Lake
Township Question 1 Appointment of Town Clerk
Shall option B, providing for the appointment of the clerk by the town board, be adopted for the government of the town?
Township Question 2 Appointment of Town Treasurer
Shall option B, providing for the appointment of the treasurer by the town board, be adopted for the government of the town?
Deer River
Change to Optional Plan B Appointment of Clerk and Treasurer
Shall option B, providing for the appointment of the clerk and treasurer by the town board, be adopted for the government of the town?
Garrison
Adopt Form of Government
Shall option B, providing for the appointment of the clerk by the town board, be adopted for the government of the town?
Higdem
Offices of Clerk and Treasurer
Shall option D, providing for combining the offices of clerk and treasurer, be adopted for the government of the town?
Macville
Appointment of the Town Treasurer by the Town Board
Shall option B (M.S. 367.30 Subd. 2), providing for the appointment of the treasurer by the town board, be adopted for the government of the town?
Mantrap
Option B
Shall Option B, providing for the appointment of the clerk by the town board, be adopted for the government of the town?
Option B
Shall Option B, providing for the appointment of the treasurer by the town board, be adopted for the government of the town?
Mission
Adopt Form of Government
Shall option B, providing for the appointment of the clerk by the town board, be adopted for the government of the town?
Otter Tail Peninsula
Township Question 1 Appointment of Town Clerk
Shall Option B, providing for the appointment of the clerk by the town board, be adopted for the government of the town?
Township Question 2 Appointment of Town Treasurer
Shall Option B, providing for the appointment of the treasurer by the town board, be adopted for the government of the town?
Owens
Option B for Appointment of Clerk and Treasurer
Shall Option B, providing for the appointment of the clerk and treasurer by the town board, be adopted for the government of the town?
Ross Lake
Adopt Form of Government
Shall option D, providing for the combining of the offices of clerk and treasurer as an elected position, be adopted for the government of the town?
Tegner
Combining of Clerk and Treasurer Positions
Shall the Township of Tegner, be providing for the combining of the offices of clerk and treasurer as an elected position, be adopted for the government of the town?"
White
Whether to Move the Town Election to November in Even-Numbered Years
Shall the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years be designated as the date of the White Township General Election?