The Wrenshall School Board voted unanimously to finalize its 2021 levy and accept its audit report during a meeting Monday, Dec. 14.
The board approved a levy of approximately $1.2 million, a 16.4% decrease from 2020 that raised the school's portion of the property tax levy by nearly 44%.
The large increase in 2020 was related to a $9.3 million health and safety bond the board approved to replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and to make fire suppression upgrades at the school.
- RELATED:
Wrenshall schools anticipate 16% levy decrease The district’s audit report shows the district’s unassigned fund balance rose slightly, but is only 4% of the district’s annual expenditures.
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As COVID-19 cases fall, Wrenshall officials start planning to get students back to school Public health officials ask school districts not to adjust learning models, but say the county may be past the peak of the current surge.
The budget shows the school with a nearly $5 million deficit this year, but in reality, the district received the money from the 2020 bond and is spending the money to finish the renovation project in 2021.
No members of the public spoke at the truth in taxation meeting Wednesday, Dec. 9, or provided comments to the board in the days following the presentation.
The district also received a clean audit report from Wipfli LLC. The accounting firm found a significant deficiency in internal controls because it contracts with Wipfli to prepare its financial statements. Wrenshall does not have a full-time business manager, and Wipfli is required to note the deficiency in the audit each year.
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The audit found the district in compliance with accounting standards and an unanticipated increase in revenue as well as a decrease in expenses allowed the district to make a small increase to its unrestricted fund balance.
