Hamilton board adopts fiscal 2026 budget; homeowners face small tax increases

The Hamilton K‑12 Schools Board adopted its fiscal 2026 budget and taxation levels following a public hearing, the board’s director said.

Director (S2) told trustees the district’s taxable value decreased this year but that the budget presented would still require a modest tax increase for property owners: “a $100,000 home would see an increase of a dollar and 84¢, and a $600,000 home would see an increase in $11.02,” the director said during the hearing. The board then voted to adopt the budget by voice vote.

Board members said they have worked with district finance staff to refine the estimates since the tentative figures in March, including updated projections for tuition, interdistrict payments and reserves. The director said the district has roughly $5.9 million in local property tax revenue represented in the table presented to trustees; earlier estimates had been higher.

Trustees were given a detailed seat packet showing how the tax change would affect homeowners across three example property values; the director emphasized that the district will continue to report expenditures through warrants and claims during the year. A public comment opportunity was offered during the hearing per statutory notice; none changed the board’s vote.

The board’s adoption sets the district’s spending limits and taxation formulas for the coming year and allows staff to proceed with operational planning and vendor agreements funded by the approved budget.

Next steps: the district will proceed with the approved spending plan and will report budget-to-actual results in regular board financial reports.