Fargo Schools Levy Vote Could Cut $2 Million

Property owners in the district will decide whether the 127-mill levy stays in place past 2027.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Administration

Fargo Schools Levy Vote Could Cut $2 Million

Live Poll

Should Fargo voters approve keeping the school district's current property tax levy?

Fargo Public Schools voters are deciding a ballot measure to reauthorize the district's excess mill levy, which has been in place since 2018. If the measure fails, the district would face an estimated $2 million annual deficit.

Why it matters

The measure determines whether the district keeps the taxing authority it uses to collect revenue from new housing, commercial development and population growth. Without reauthorization, new growth revenue would be frozen and the general fund levy would drop toward the 70-mill statutory limit over time.

The ballot asks whether the district can establish a 110-mill general fund levy within a total local levy of 127 mills. Approximately 80% of the district's budget goes toward salary and benefits, and state law requires reauthorization every 10 years.

The players

Fargo Public Schools

The Fargo school district that runs the local schools and is asking voters to reauthorize its excess mill levy.

The details

North Dakota law requires school districts to seek voter reauthorization every 10 years before levying taxes above the 70-mill statutory baseline. A mill is a taxing unit that generates revenue based on assessed property valuations, so growth in property values and new development raises revenue without changing the rate. The district reorganized its tax structure two years ago, designating 110 mills to the general fund, 12 miscellaneous mills and 5 tuition mills. The current excess levy authority is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2027.

2018: Excess mill levy first put in place, starting the 127-mill rate.
Two years before publication: District reorganized its tax structure into 110, 12 and 5 mill designations.
November 2, 2026: Voters are deciding the reauthorization measure.
December 31, 2027: Current excess levy authority is scheduled to expire.

The Home Front

North Dakota's 70-mill statutory baseline caps general fund levies unless voters approve more through reauthorization. Fargo's request to hold a 127-mill total local levy sits within that framework and matches the rate in place since 2018.

If you own property in the Fargo Public Schools district, your property tax bill reflects the mill levy rate, so check the ballot language and the 127-mill total before the vote. Homeowners weighing a purchase in the district should factor the outcome into long-term property tax planning.

The takeaway

The vote decides whether Fargo schools keep the taxing authority that grows with new housing and development, which shapes both school funding and your property tax picture. Confirm your voting location and review the ballot language before November 2, 2026.