Politics
Stanley Property Tax Levy Referendum: Effects on Homeowner Costs and City Service Funding
The measure would raise property tax rates by 2.5 mills starting in 2027, increasing average annual bills by $180 for Stanley residential properties while allocating new revenue to schools and road repairs.
How we reported this
The Stanley ballot measure set for the November referendum asks voters to approve a 2.5-mill property tax levy increase that would apply to all residential and commercial parcels within city limits. Passage would generate dedicated funds for the Stanley School District and the Public Works Department road resurfacing program. Homeowners with assessed values near the city median would see the largest dollar increase on their tax statements.
City budget documents released in May show the current property tax rate at 18.4 mills, with education receiving 62 percent of collections. The new levy would add roughly $1.8 million in annual revenue if approved, according to the finance department projection. This amount equals about 8 percent of the Stanley School District operating budget for the 2026-2027 school year.
Who receives the new funds
School administrators have stated the money would support hiring eight additional classroom aides and expanding after-school transportation routes serving 340 students. Public Works would use its share to resurface 4.2 miles of local streets, focusing on the Maple Grove and Riverbend neighborhoods where pavement condition ratings fell below city standards in the 2025 inspection report. Fixed-income households without school-age children would pay the higher rate without direct access to the added services.
Local advocates note that commercial property owners, who account for 31 percent of the tax base, would contribute $560,000 of the new total. This share would reduce pressure on the general fund that currently covers emergency services and library operations. Residents in rental units would see indirect effects through potential rent adjustments by landlords responding to higher carrying costs.
Next steps for voters
Ballots will be mailed to registered voters on October 15, with in-person voting available at four precinct locations through November 3. The city clerk office will host two public information sessions on September 12 and 19 at Stanley City Hall to review the exact millage calculation and spending plan. If the measure passes, the first tax bills reflecting the increase will arrive in January 2027.