Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Palisades board adopts 2026–27 budget with 2.5% tax increase after 7–2 vote
Summary
After hours of discussion and public comment, the Palisades School District Board approved the district—s 2026—27 budget that includes a 2.5% tax increase. Directors split 7—2 on the measure after debate over fund balance, program cuts and consolidation options.
The Palisades School district board voted 7—2 on June 3 to adopt the 2026—27 budget that includes a 2.5% increase in the real-estate tax rate.
The finance presentation laid out projected general-fund revenues of roughly $49.1 million and all-in expenditures of about $59.6 million, producing an operating deficit that the administration said would shrink fund balance from about $31.1 million to roughly $18.1 million under the proposed plan. The presenter showed alternatives for smaller increases, a possible bond issue to cover capital, and a continuity plan that would revisit consolidation to reduce ongoing costs. "We start with a fund balance of 31.1. We add in revenues of 49.5 million. Subtract expenditures of 59.6. That would leave you with an all-in fund balance of 18.1," the presenter said during the review.
Directors who opposed the 2.5% increase questioned the fairness to taxpayers and wanted more work sessions and detail on staffing guarantees. Director Beers cast one of two "no" votes at roll call, arguing the board should do more to protect taxpayers and ensure spending priorities. Director Ramos, who supported the budget and later was elected treasurer at this meeting, said the board must "do a hard look in the upcoming year" at consolidation and other structural steps to reduce recurring expenditures.
Public commenters and staff speakers pressed competing priorities: some urged using fund balance to preserve programs and stem enrollment losses, while administration and other directors cited inflation and prior years of low increases as part of the rationale for a 2.5% rate. A board member confirmed a commonly cited figure during public comment that the estimated additional tax per household tied to the 2.5% rate was about $96.48 for the year.
The budget resolution (Resolution No. 6 2025—2026 for the 2026—27 school year) passed on a roll-call vote of 7 in favor (Ramos, Wenhold, Freeman, Hallowell, Nielsen, Ott, LeBlanc) and 2 opposed (Beers, Landis). The administration said next steps include continued work by the fiscal committee and possible working sessions on consolidation and bond timing.
Looking ahead, the board scheduled fiscal follow-ups and indicated it may revisit the capital/bond question at a June fiscal committee meeting and possibly return to the full board for further discussion.
