Mukwonago board adopts preliminary 2026-27 budget and tax levy; final adoption set for October

The Mukwonago School District board on June 15 approved a preliminary 2026-27 budget and adopted a preliminary tax levy to present at the annual meeting and budget hearing, with a final budget to be adopted in October.

Tom, the district's finance and facilities director, told the board the district's fund-by-fund snapshot shows no immediate overrun concerns and that payroll and cash-position figures are in line with expectations. He said the district authorized $89.1 million of borrowing for the middle school under the referendum and has borrowed $82.1 million so far, leaving about $7 million still to draw; staff plan to present a borrowing request in August to use that remainder.

Tom explained that the preliminary budget incorporates temporary holding amounts for items that are not yet tied to specific employees or programs (vacation payouts, overloads, training and other contingencies) and that administrative salary awards for 2026-27 have not yet been finalized by the board. He emphasized the district will finalize allocations as part of the October budget process after audit completion and additional detail.

On the tax levy, Tom said the district's total levy is set in the preliminary paperwork the board approved and noted that a pending state-level tax-relief measure (discussed outside the meeting) could reduce the final levy if it passes. The board approved the levy by voice vote.

The board also discussed investment timing for referendum proceeds and noted staff work with an external firm to manage proceeds and preserve liquidity while earning interest.

Next steps: staff will bring a final budget and a roll-call vote on the final levy at the fall meeting after audit completion.