Osage City School Board approves 2025–26 budget and exceeds revenue‑neutral rate

The Osage City School Board voted Sept. 10 to exceed the revenue‑neutral rate and adopted the district’s 2025–26 budget after a presentation from administrators about increased local assessments and projected expenditures.

Superintendent (S4) outlined the recommended mill levy composition and said the district is recommending a total mill rate that would be higher than the revenue‑neutral level because of rising costs, particularly an increase in the special‑education local assessment tied to the 3 Lakes cooperative. "Up to $350,000 plus is what the local assessment increase is compared to last year for 3 Lakes," the superintendent said, noting the district’s share of that cost through the cooperative. During public comment a resident (S9) asked the board to seek cuts and expressed concern about local tax burdens: "People are losing their houses," the resident said.

Board members discussed options for limiting the local option budget (LOB) percentage and the effect that would have on the mill levy. The board voted to set the LOB percentage at 31% and then approved the full 2025–26 budget by roll call. The board’s approval follows prior discussion of budget line items including food service, driver education, and special allocations to offset expected cost increases. Administrators said the district will submit the budget documents to the county and state as required. The board also passed a motion earlier in the meeting to exceed the revenue‑neutral rate as presented.