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Northern Lebanon SD board directs 2.75% tax increase for 2025–26 budget
Summary
After a split vote on a 2.99% starting proposal, the Northern Lebanon School District Board instructed administration to prepare the 2025–26 budget using a 2.75% millage increase. The motion passed 6–2 following extended discussion about construction debt, state aid prospects and long-term financial planning.
The Northern Lebanon School District Board of Directors voted 6–2 to direct the administration to prepare the districts 2025–26 budget using a 2.75% tax increase.
The motion followed an initial proposal from district administration to prepare a budget at a 2.99% increase. That first motion failed on a 4-4 roll-call vote, after which board members offered alternative percentages and then approved 2.75% by roll call: Yes — Directors Fowler, Williams, Murray, Klein, England and Nam; No — Directors Moyer and Kreiser.
The administrations recommendation was described at the meeting by Dr. Messinger, who told the board, "The administration has provided us, the board with a proposal at 2.99 percent. That is the recommendation from the administration for the board to consider and to vote on." Several members said they wanted a lower number but also raised concerns about the districts ongoing construction bond payments and long-term fund balance.
Board members debated whether to adopt a lower rate in light of the governors proposed budget increases and ongoing construction costs. Director Williams argued for supporting the administrations recommendation, saying, "I would always advocate for what the administration wants. I think 2.99 is reasonable," while other directors urged caution and suggested 2.5%–2.6% as an alternative.
Speakers who supported a lower increase said they wanted to reduce immediate taxpayer burden and hoped for additional state funding; speakers who favored the higher figure stressed maintaining momentum on district projects and avoiding steeper increases later.
The boards vote authorizes the administration to prepare the proposed budget using the adopted percentage; further formal adoption of the final budget and any required public notices, hearings or millage-setting steps will follow statutory procedures.
Board members and district administration indicated they will continue to monitor state funding developments and return to the question if new information warrants changes.
Ending: The boards directive will determine the initial tax and staffing assumptions for the 2025–26 budget documents the administration prepares for the boards later review and public processes.
