The first month of the school year is behind us, and the students and staff are off to a strong start. Everyone is settling into new routines, schedules, and expectations, and the energy throughout our PreK-12 facility has been extremely motivating and inspiring.
I would like to provide additional information on the upcoming Capital Projects Levy, scheduled for November 4, 2025. The details below are responses to questions that I have received from taxpayers, and I hope they will provide clarity for all voters. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge a special milestone for a staff member who has had an incredible impact on our school community.
How Do I Vote?
Absentee voting is available (September 19 - November 3) in the Triton District Office from
(7:30 AM - 3:30 PM) on weekdays when school is in session. The District Office is located on the Triton Schools grounds. Enter on the north side of the building at door #35, by the flagpole.
Triton Schools
813 W Hwy Street
Dodge Center, MN
Voting on election day will take place at Dodge Center City Hall.
35 East Main Street
Dodge Center, MN 55927
Where Do I Find More Information?
I want to ensure our school district voters have all the information they need to make an educated vote. Recently, I was informed that the Capital Projects Levy website may be difficult for some to find. As a result, if you visit the Triton Webpage at www.triton.k12.mn.us, you will now find a header at the top of the website with a direct link to the Capital Projects Levy Website https://www.triton.k12.mn.us/page/levy.
As previously mentioned, we want to provide numerous and varied opportunities for taxpayers to ask questions and receive further information. As a result, the following meetings are scheduled.
●Wasioja Township Meeting - Monday, October 13, 7:00 PM, Wasioja Township Hall
●Claremont Township Meeting - Tuesday, October 14, 7:00 PM, Claremont Legion
●West Concord Informational Meeting - Thursday, October 16, following City Council Meeting, approximately 7:40 PM. Bell Tower Center, West Concord.
●Claremont Informational Meeting - Wednesday, October 22, 7:00 PM, Claremont City Hall
●Dodge Center Informational Meeting - Thursday, October 23, 7:00 PM, DC City Hall
Please note that the Claremont Information Meeting has been changed from October 21 to October 22.
How Does This Tax Impact Different Property Owners?
The Capital Projects Levy affects property owners in different ways depending on property classification. The complete tax impact information is listed on the Capital Projects Levy website. I recommend property owners with questions visit the website, or if you are not comfortable with technology, call the Triton District Office, and we will make sure you have a complete understanding of the tax impact for your property. Triton currently has one of the lowest tax impacts among area districts. While the levy would increase taxes, we would remain below several neighboring school districts.
●Residential Homeowners - Are taxed based on the property’s taxable market value. Homeowners pay a share of the levy in proportion to their home’s value. For example, a $250,000 home would see an increase of $72.00 per year or $6.00 per month, and a $200,000 home would see an increase of $54.00 per year or roughly $5.00 per month.
●Businesses & Commercial Property - Are taxed on the direct value of their property. A $250,00 business would pay an increase of $135.00 per year or $11.00 per month.
●Agriculture - Tax rates for agricultural landowners are broken down in a different manner. Farmers would pay the same amount as residential homeowners on the value of their house, garage, and one acre. Then, the remaining property valued under $3.8 million would fall into the agricultural homestead category. The remaining portion of land over the $3.8 million threshold would be taxed at the agricultural non-homestead rate. Agricultural Homestead (average value per acre of land and buildings valued at $11,500) would see an increase of $1.82 per acre per year or $0.15 per month.
Agricultural Non-Homestead (average value per acre of land and buildings valued at $11,500) would increase by $3.65 per acre per year or $0.30 per month.
Congratulations to Deb Groll!
If you’ve worked at Triton or attended a game, play, or event, you’ve most likely interacted with Deb Groll. She has served as our payroll clerk and accounts payable for the past 35 years. Deb has been critical to our success at Triton and is known for continually supporting staff and students with dedication and care. Although we all would like to see her stay, she will be retiring, and her last day with us will be December 31. On behalf of the Triton community, I want to thank Deb for her ongoing support, dedication, and commitment to Triton Schools.
Luke Lutterman
Triton Superintendent
llutterman@triton.k12.mn.us
(507) 418-7530
Together #WeAreTriton
