Montgomery board adopts tax levy ordinance for 2026 fiscal year after debate; measure passes 5–1

After extended discussion about timing and fiscal impacts, the Village of Montgomery board adopted Ordinance 2,156, the tax levy and assessment for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2026 and ending April 30, 2027. The ordinance was on its second reading and board members debated whether the levy should be set before the village adopts a detailed budget.

One trustee warned the board was "doing this backwards," noting the levy is set before the budget and expressing concern about a projected $50,000 shortfall that staff would need to address in the budget. That trustee said, "I don't want to pass it, but I think we need to." Other members argued the levy is necessary to fund essential services—police, public works and equipment—and said a modest increase is preferable to leaving funds short for core operations.

Staff and trustees pointed to rising police pension funding obligations; one trustee said the required increase in the police pension contribution exceeds the amount requested in the levy. Trustees also noted the village's property-tax rebate program, which returns a portion of the levy to residents, and discussed how rebates could reduce the net impact on households.

A motion to approve the ordinance was made and seconded; roll call produced five votes in favor and one opposed (Trustee Youngerman). The measure carried 5–1. The board indicated it will proceed to finalize the budget in upcoming budget sessions and asked staff to present a lean budget to account for the levy and pension obligations.