Board to Adopt FY2026-27 Budget and Exceed Revenue Neutral Tax Rate

What happened

At the September 14, 2026 meeting, the board is scheduled to hold hearings and vote to adopt the 2026-2027 budget and a resolution authorizing USD 497 to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate, along with a Local Option Budget resolution certifying 33% for 2026-2027. Proposed total taxes levied are approximately $97.2 million, up from $92.5 million in 2025-2026.

Why it matters to families

Adoption of the annual budget and a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate directly affects property tax levies on district residents and sets the district's spending authority for the year, a major budget action affecting all schools and taxpayers.

The evidence

Agenda items 1.2, 4.1, and 4.2: 'Administration recommends the Board of Education approve the resolution authorizing USD 497 to exceed the revenue neutral tax rates...for the 2026-2027 budget year' and 'the board of education adopt the 2026-2027 budget' with Total Taxes Levied Including General Fund rising from $92,500,054 (actual 2025-26) to $97,174,537 (proposed 2026-27).

The source