Voters decide Nov. 3 on $4.8 million operating referendum

What happened

On November 3, 2026, Washburn voters will decide whether the district may exceed its state revenue limit by $900,000 in 2026-27, $1.1 million in 2027-28, $1.3 million in 2028-29 and $1.5 million in 2029-30, for operating and maintenance costs. The board voted unanimously on August 13 to put it on the ballot. The district estimates the 2026-27 tax impact at $123 a year on a $100,000 home.

Why it matters to families

This decides whether the district raises local taxes to cover a projected deficit. District leaders say it is needed to cover projected deficits and reduce short-term borrowing.

The evidence

The district's Notice of Election, dated October 1, 2026, gives the ballot question: "Shall the School District of Washburn ... be authorized to exceed the revenue limit ... by $900,000 for the 2026-2027 school year, by $1,100,000 for the 2027-2028 school year, by $1,300,000 for the 2028-2029 school year, and by $1,500,000 for the 2029-2030 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses?" The August 13, 2026 minutes record unanimous votes on the resolution and the referendum election. The district's referendum page lists a "Projected 2026-27 impact of $123 per year on a $100,000 home."

The source