10/13/2026
DID YOU KNOW? Understanding the $454 on the Ballot
When you read the operating referendum question on the November 3 ballot, you will see that property taxes on a median home valued at $250,000 would increase by $454 per year.
But there is an important piece of information that the ballot language does not explain: Barr-Reeve already has an operating referendum in place, and taxpayers are already paying for it.
The $454 figure listed on the ballot does not subtract the referendum taxes homeowners are currently paying. The proposed 2026 referendum is a renewal that would replace the existing referendum, NOT be added on top of it.
So, what is the estimated difference for a median home valued at $250,000?
2026 Current Referendum: Approximately $303 per year
2027 Proposed Referendum: Approximately $333 per year
Estimated Increase: Approximately $30 per year
These figures reflect the estimated change from the current referendum to the proposed renewal, rather than treating the entire referendum amount as a new tax.
Actual property tax impacts may vary based on assessed value and other property tax factors.
Over the next few weeks, we will continue sharing factual information to help our community better understand the referendum, the ballot language, and the estimated impact on taxpayers.
Our goal is to make sure our community understands what the numbers on the ballot mean and how they compare to what taxpayers are already paying.