Cascade SD 5 Board approves $105.19 million proposed budget and sets permanent tax rate

The Cascade School District 5 Board voted by voice to approve the 2026–27 proposed budget in the aggregate amount of $105,185,769.79 and set the permanent property tax rate at 4.6405 per $1,000 of assessed value.

At the meeting, a board member read the resolution aloud, moving the board to "approve the 2026 20 27 proposed budget in aggregate amount of $105,185,769.79 and set the property tax rate at the permanent amount of 4.6405 per thousand of assessed value," which was seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff and trustees confirmed the vote was taken by voice; no roll call tally was recorded in the transcript.

Board members and staff stressed that the large number reflects a required appropriation for a bond measure. As staff explained, Oregon law requires districts that seek a bond to appropriate the full bond amount whether or not the bond ultimately passes; the district included a $40 million bond appropriation in the total, of which about $30 million would be charged to local taxpayers and $10 million comes from a grant. "And just so everyone knows, even with approving the full $40,000,000 for the bond pass, only $30,000,000 of that would actually be charged to local taxpayers," a presenter clarified during the discussion.

The board adopted the budget package after questions on staffing, PERS and carryover. Staff said the approved budget is balanced but tight, with an estimated carryover of roughly $1.6 million (about 3.5% of the general fund). The board closed the hearing and adjourned at 6:31 p.m. Staff remained available for follow‑up questions as the district prepares for the May bond vote.