The huge tax increase from Minot Public Schools’ bond issue is a harbinger of budget woes to come, some patrons told the school board Thursday.

The board held a public hearing on its proposed budget that drew eight individuals who offered comments. The proposed budget calls for a tax levy of about $32.6 million. The 33.09-mill increase is reflective of a bond issue approved by voters last December for a new high school, conversion of Central Campus into a middle school and other associated renovations at Magic City Campus. It amounts to about $149 on $100,000 of valuation.

“The will of the people have brought this forward,” said Minot resident Mike Blessum, who stated he voted against the bond issue. 

“You get to deal with the issue going forward,” he told the school board. “This budget right now for operating our school system does not include anything related to the new school.”

He warned the cost of operations going forward will be significant and that people are concerned the financial burden could lead to the closure of an elementary school. He urged the board to remain transparent about what it is facing.

“Let us know what’s going on because there’s going to be terrible, terrible decisions that you’re going to need to make as we go forward. Keep in mind that Minot homeowners saw double-digit increases,” he said.

Chad Kinzell reported his school tax on his estimated residential bill went up 44% and his business property went up 26%. He said the district isn’t done asking for money, suggesting a bond issue may be needed again someday. 

“Things are going to cost money going forward. But when people get increases like this, it’s going to be awfully tough to get it ever passed again,” he said.

Other residents also expressed their frustrations over the high taxes.

“This is a hard pill to swallow right now,” said resident Andy Sudbrink. “Words cannot describe my anger on this issue.”

Larry Bellew said his school property taxes are increasing by nearly $609 a year. He said higher property valuations compound the increase and have created a larger cost to taxpayers than they anticipated when they approved the bond issue. Even though the district is holding its general mill levy stable, he is seeing a $95 increase in his estimated payment due to valuations rising.

He suggested the board reduce the mill levy by the amount of the valuation increase to keep the budget on par with last year.

The board is scheduled to take final action on the district budget at its October meeting.