Board adopts fiscal 2027 tax budget after extended discussion of property‑tax changes and funding risks

The Indian Hill Board of Education on Monday unanimously adopted its fiscal year 2027 tax budget after a detailed staff presentation about how recent state legislative changes could affect local property‑tax revenues.

Treasurer Nick Davis told trustees that roughly 85–90% of the district’s revenue is collected through property taxes and that recent state measures will cap allowable inflationary increases at 8.5 percent during reassessment cycles. He described changes to the 20‑mill floor and ongoing uncertainty tied to additional proposals and a possible constitutional amendment that could alter how property taxes are collected.

“This is an annual procedure...85 to 90% of our revenue is collected through property taxes,” Mr. Davis said, and later estimated state funding at about “$300 per student.”

A board member urged families to contact legislators, saying pending bills and voucher proposals could redirect public dollars and create “catastrophic” effects for public education, particularly in districts that rely heavily on local real‑estate revenue. The board’s discussion emphasized that state per‑pupil funding covers only a fraction of local costs and that local millage is a primary revenue source for Indian Hill.

After discussion, a motion to adopt the fiscal 2027 tax budget was made, seconded and passed by roll‑call vote.

The meeting also included trustee comments about broader district strategy: the board plans public work sessions to set priorities and will seek public input on the superintendent search. Administrators and trustees said they plan outreach to inform families about how proposed legislation could affect district finances.

No formal changes to levies or tax rates were enacted at the meeting; the board’s motion adopted the tax budget for the county process that allows the district to collect levied taxes under existing authorizations.