Lansing approves 2026–27 budget and levy above revenue-neutral rate

What happened

The board approved USD 469’s 2026–27 budget and, in a separate 6–1 vote, authorized a property-tax levy above the revenue-neutral rate. The superintendent cited about $1.7 million in added revenue and more than $600,000 in efficiencies, against roughly $1.65 million in identified salary, insurance and health-contingency costs; the projected mill rate is 58, down from 58.117.

Why it matters to families

The approval sets the district’s operating budget and authorizes a levy above the revenue-neutral threshold. The superintendent said the projected overall mill rate is slightly lower than last year, so the RNR action should not be confused with an increase in the stated mill rate.

The evidence

In the Sep. 14, 2026 meeting transcript, the board’s revenue-neutral resolution states that the 2026–27 budget levy exceeds the revenue-neutral rate; the motion passes 6–1 ([00:18:06]–[00:21:53]). The budget also passes 6–1 ([00:28:53]–[00:30:10]). The superintendent reports approximately $1.7 million added revenue, over $600,000 in efficiencies, about $750,000 in salary/benefit increases, $400,000 in property/casualty/workers’ compensation insurance increases, a $500,000 health-insurance contingency, and a projected 58-mill rate versus 58.117 ([00:24:01]–[00:25:52]).

The source