County error occurs related to GMR levy ballot question--Roseau County voters receiving replacement ballots

Editor's Note: Refer to the letter included with this story to view the most recent information related to this issue.

Due to a clerical error at the Roseau County level, some individuals who don’t live in the Greenbush-Middle River School District received an August 13, 2024 election ballot that contained a question related to the upcoming GMR operating levy. In a letter sent to Roseau County voters dated July 23, Roseau County Auditor/Treasurer/Recorder Martha (Martie) Monsrud said they “deeply regretted this error.”

As a result, mail-in “Replacement” ballots were sent out to these non-GMR district residents and also GMR district residents. This comes after the Roseau County Auditor petitioned the Ninth Judicial District Court to authorize a process for correcting this ballot error. Based on this court’s order, the county contacted voters via this July 23 letter to notify them that a new ballot would be mailed out in the next few days.

The prior ballot individuals received on or around July 15, 2024 is not valid and will go through the spoiled ballot process. If individuals had returned the ballot they received prior to the date of this letter (July 23), the county asked them to vote using the “Replacement” ballot and mail it to or drop it off at the Roseau County Auditor’s office.

For more information, individuals can contact the Roseau County Auditor’s Office at 218-463-1282 or email martie@co.roseau.mn.us or elections@co.roseau.mn.us.

Non-mail-in ballot voters will be able to vote at the Greenbush Community Center on Tuesday, August 13 from 7 am to 8 pm.

As review, the GMR School Board has proposed an increase in general education revenue of $925 per pupil. This proposed referendum or operating levy would last for 10 years starting with taxes payable in 2025, unless “revoked or reduced as provided by law.” Based on prior reporting, this levy would provide a net increase in total annual revenue of $200,265, according to information provided by Ehlers Public Finance Advisors.

For agricultural property—both homestead and non-homestead--- taxes on this proposed levy are based on the value of just one’s house, garage, and surrounding one acre of land. Other agricultural lands and buildings, and seasonal residential recreational properties (example: cabins) are not taxed under this proposed levy. For one’s exact tax impact, visit the GMR School website (www.middleriver.k12.mn.us) and on the home page click on the following link: Property Tax Calculator Website for the Operating Referendum Election.

Facing statutory operating debt (SOD) and a continued deficit, the GMR School took official action to directly address its financial situation. It came at the cost of staffing. At a special meeting on March 22, 2024, the GMR School Board approved reducing teacher and para staffing—cuts that amount to $175,000, about two-thirds of the projected reductions the district is making for this fiscal year.

Following its most recent audit, the district found out it was in a $534,266 deficit in its unassigned fund balance. Through its budget revision, the district was able to drive the deficit down to $106,331.