Hays board approves 2026-27 budget and votes to exceed revenue neutral tax rate

What happened

At the September 8, 2026 meeting, the board approved a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate for the 2026-27 school year (5-2 roll call vote) and then approved the published 2026-27 district budget (5-2 vote). Two board members voted no on both items, citing concerns about over-taxing and growing capital outlay levies.

Why it matters to families

Exceeding the revenue neutral rate means district property taxpayers will pay more in taxes than the revenue-neutral rate would require, directly affecting family and community tax bills district-wide.

The evidence

Board president led a roll call vote on the revenue neutral rate resolution (passed 5-2) followed immediately by a roll call vote to approve the published 2026-27 budget (passed 5-2), with discussion of rising capital outlay amounts and a ~$41,000 difference cited by a board member.

The source