By Lexi MooreHills-Beaver Creek school district voters passed the proposed operating levy referendum when they went to the polls Tuesday.The referendum, increases the H-BC operating budget by approximately $199,875 per year for 10 years, passed by 125 votes. The per-pupil operating budget will grow to $855.79, up from $229.73.There were 572 votes cast in favor of the referendum and 447 against.The H-BC school board has a special meeting Thursday at noon to canvass the returns of the election.In most instances the additional taxes caused by the H-BC referendum will qualify residents for Minnesota State tax refunds. Residents are encouraged to fill out state tax form M1-PR to determine their eligibility for either the Minnesota Property Tax Refund or the Targeted Homeowners Property Tax Refund.
