Omaha Public Schools board approves 2026-27 budget with 7% property tax levy increase

OMAHA, Neb. — The Omaha Public Schools board unanimously approved its 2026-27 budget Monday night, raising the property tax levy rate and leaving neighbors facing higher tax bills.

The 9-0 vote raises the tax levy by 8 cents, bringing the rate to $1.21 per every $100 in property value — a roughly 7% increase over last year.

OPS Boardmember Gini Magnuson, who represents Subdistrict 5, said the levy increase was not taken lightly.

"This proposal to raise the levy is a last resort. This is not a first move. This is never our initial choice," Magnuson said.

OPS received less state funding this year, in part because of an incorrect calculation of aid last year.

OPS Boardmember Nick Thielen, who represents Subdistrict 3, said the district is using property taxes to fill the resulting gap.

"We did have a $500,000 hole in our budget from this year, due to the reduction in state aid, and we are using property taxes largely to fill that gap," Thielen said.

For some homeowners, the levy increase compounds an already rising tax burden. Northwest Omaha resident Alan Seybert said his property valuation also went up 12%, meaning he is facing a steeper combined increase.

"I'm gonna will be paying a lot more in OPS taxes, not only because of that, but also because our valuation went up 12%," Seybert said. "It'll be a combined increase of 21% over what we were paying last year."

Seybert estimates his taxes will increase by $900.

EARLIER ON MONDAY:
Some Omaha homeowners could soon pay more in property taxes if the Omaha Public Schools board votes to raise the tax levy rate Monday night.

The proposed 8-cent property levy increase is part of the 2026-27 budget and comes as OPS faces a significant funding shortfall.

"In total, our school district will receive $50.6 million less in state aid for the upcoming year," OPS CFO Shane Rhian said.

That shortfall is due in part to an incorrect calculation of state aid last year.

For northwest Omaha resident Alan Seybert, the proposed increase could mean paying an estimated $900 more in taxes.

"Yes. We're gonna have to take a close look at our budget, just like everybody else, to see how we can come up with that extra $900," Seybert said.

The Omaha Public Schools board will meet tonight at 6 p.m. to vote on the budget.

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