Lewis Central adopts FY 2026 budget and certifies $11.29 tax levy after public hearing

The Lewis Central Community School District Board of Education adopted its fiscal year 2026 budget and certified a property tax levy of $11.29 per $1,000 of taxable valuation following a public hearing on April 21.

Staff presented the proposed budget and levy during the hearing, explaining that state formula funding accounts for 64% of the levy and that the district is not levying any cash reserve for FY26. The levy components presented were: a general fund portion of $7.71 (instructional support levy), a regular PPEL of $0.33, a voted PPEL of $1.00, and a debt service levy of $2.25 tied to a voter-approved GEO bond. The presenter said the total levy represents “just slightly over the $1 increase from last year.”

The hearing included one public commenter who asked about maintenance and amortization funding for capital items. The commenter asked specifically how much the district has set aside for track replacement and for routine maintenance. A staff member answered that the district typically records maintenance under plant operation and maintenance and facilities acquisition and construction funds; the presenter said the district holds roughly $2.5 million to $3.5 million in reserves for capital needs and gave the example that a full track replacement would be roughly $300,000–$350,000 while a maintenance coating would cost about $75,000.

Board members then moved from the public hearing into regular business and voted to approve the budget and levy as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters: The levy funds the district’s operating and capital needs for the coming year, including the debt service on a GEO bond approved by voters. The board directed staff to file the adopted budget with the state Department of Management and the county auditor by April 30 so it takes effect July 1.

Details and background: The board’s presentation included a 10-year levy history showing a long-term decline after earlier debt service fell off in FY18 and noted a recent increase tied to the newly authorized debt service. The presenter said property valuations in the district have increased—largely from commercial and industrial valuations—and noted that the district’s TIF (tax increment financing) is small relative to total valuation but that TIF revenue is excluded from debt service levy calculations. The board’s discussion did not change the proposed levy; the motion to adopt the FY26 budget and certified levy passed on a roll-call vote with all members voting yes.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve the FY 2025–26 budget and certified levy as presented. Outcome: approved (unanimous).