# September 15 2026 Tax Levy Budget Hearing


**Body:** Oakes Public Schools
**Date:** September 14, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Education, Construction & Infrastructure, Physical Infrastructure


Oakes Public Schools held a September 15, 2026 public hearing on its 2026–27 budget and tax levy. The presentation estimated general-fund revenue of about $6.8 million and expenditures of about $7.22 million, reducing the carryover by roughly $389,000. Officials reviewed levy limits, declining property valuations, the timing of tax and state-aid receipts, and projected fund balances. The district also outlined a special-reserve levy, funding for repayment of school-construction borrowing following the June bond referendum, and a 12-mill levy estimated to generate $289,000 against $275,000 in expenditures. The budget includes iPad lease payments and costs for new bus cameras and upgraded school cameras; no new procurement award or vendor selection was identified.

No vote or spending action was taken at the hearing. The board said it would take no action until its regular meeting shortly afterward. The presentation also noted statutory limits on levies and fund balances, including the special-reserve levy cap and authority to levy up to 105% of principal and interest for debt payments.

**Source:** Oakes Public Schools