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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025 VOL. 131 NO. 10 www.whitebearpress.com $1.00
HOLIDAY LIGHTS CONTEST: Time running out to enter PAGE 10
District’s budget discussion brings conflicting numbers, viewpoints BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The White Bear Lake Area School Board is approving its 2026 tax levy of just under $73,600,000—a 4.4% increase from 2025. Due to the district’s increased tax capacity, however, the average homeowner and apartment landlord will see less than a 4.4% increase on their tax statements. “When you have an increase in net tax capacity across the school district areas … you have more businesses and more homes, then it gets spread out among more people,” said Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Tim Wald. At the most recent school board meeting, Wald presented both the finalized tax levy as well as the two main reasons behind its increase: a state funding gap for special education and state revenue formulas that have not kept up with inflation. During discussion of the budget’s approval, Board Member Dan Skaar presented an alternative set of numbers that suggested ISD 624 did not have the funding gaps Wald cited. Immediately after this statement, Board Member Angela Thompson cited a third set of numbers, which stated that Wald had actually underestimated the district’s funding gaps.
Santas and elves volunteer for the holidays
Budget presentation
“One of the greatest challenges we face in public school finances is that state funding has not kept pace with inflation since 2003,” Wald said, referencing the
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Bill Foussard, the White Bear Lake Rotary and their expansive team of volunteer Santas and elves are preparing to serve area senior citizens during the annual Dinner with Santa event Monday, Dec. 22 at the White Bear Country Inn. The private event, which has become a local holiday tradition, features dinner, dessert and entertainment, including Christmas Carol singalongs. Volunteer Santas, Mrs. Clauses and elves with their own costumes are still welcome to join the festive community event by calling 651-272-3783.
SEE TRUTH IN TAXATION, PAGE 8
White Bear Lake finalizes 2026 levy, approves 8.92% increase BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — The final levy for 2026 is $74,000 less than the preliminary levy that was set in September. “Staff has prepared a budget that aligns with the strategic plan and needs of the community,” City Manager Lindy Crawford said, noting that per City Council request, city staff has worked hard to “sharpen their pencils” over the last few months to try to find any potential reductions. The 2026 levy reflects an 8.82% increase, $1,230,000 more than the 2025 levy. That can be broken down to: • $872,987 for general operations, including personnel and benefit expenses
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• $241,000 for debt service related to the 2025 street reconstruction project and equipment certificates for the replacement of a fire engine • $37,000 for public safety facility debt service • $79,013 for one IT technician position The median-value residential home in White Bear Lake is currently $349,400, a $15,200 increase above the 2024 median value home of $334,200. The 2026 city tax burden on this property is $1,068.78, an $103.40 increase above the previous year. When it comes to per capita collection, Crawford pointed out that the city of White Bear Lake remains at the bottom of the list when compared to other cities. “White Bear Lake has a greater population than SEE CITY BUDGET, PAGE 13
34%
22%
CONTRIBUTED
This pie chart breaks down where the resident’s tax dollar goes: 37% goes to White Bear Lake Area Schools, followed by 22% for the city of White Bear Lake, 34% to Ramsey or Washington county and 7% goes to other tax entities like the Metropolitan Council and watershed districts.
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