An operating levy referendum in the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva School District failed Tuesday night.

The vote tally came to 1,600 opposed and 1,174 in favor, or 58 percent to 42 percent. The levy was to authorize $450 per pupil, which was to generate $500,000 in revenue. A home with a $100,000 value would have had to pay $85 more in taxes per year.

Statewide, 41 school districts had operating, capital or bond issue referendums. According to the Minnesota School Boards Association, 22 measures passed and 19 failed.

Nearly 90 percent of school districts in Minnesota have an operating levy in place. The measures were once intended for extra services but now pay for basic education across the state.