Taxpayers in Albert Lea Area Schools will see lower taxes in 2016-17.

The Albert Lea School Board approved a 2.25 percent reduction in the 2016-17 tax levy Monday night.

The decrease is $8 on a $100,000 assessed home.

Albert Lea Superintendent Mike Funk said Monday night the district has lowered taxes and is still operating very well as a school district and is providing its employees a livable wage.

“It’s a real positive,” Funk said.

Albert Lea Director of Finance and Operations Lori Volz said in September the school district usually limits its tax levy increases because of efficiency and careful planning of projects.

The budget has to be approved by June 2016. Budget discussions will begin in January, and will focus on operating efficiency and maximizing funding entitlements.

“It is always a good thing for taxpayers when the local taxes decrease,” Volz said.

She said the levy may increase by 2.2 percent next year due to the potential upcoming new lease levy for the Corcoran Center in association with a special education cooperative approved by the school board Monday night.

The one-time increase would be $8 on an assessed $100,000 home.

The district’s levy decreased 1.3 percent last year.