The Portage Area School Board adopted a resolution Wednesday stating it will not exceed the state’s Act 1 Index of 5.3% if the board decides to raise property tax millage rates for the 2026-27 fiscal year later this year.

According to business administrator Jeff Vasilko, a 5.3% tax increase would raise the district’s current millage rate of 56.64 mills by about three mills. The district receives about $45,000 in local tax revenue per mill, he said.

That means the district could generate no more than an additional $135,000 by raising taxes.

“What that resolution says is we won’t go above 5.3 percent,” Vasilko said.

According to Vasilko, the district typically raises taxes every other year. Since the school board didn’t raise taxes last year, Vasilko said it’s possible the board may raise tax rates this year.

“Possibly, yes,” Vasilko said of whether a tax increase is necessary this year. “I’m not standing on it firm.”

Under state law, school districts are required to pass a state budget by June 30 each year.

Vasilko said district officials are currently preparing the 2026-27 preliminary budget, which the school board will likely vote on at its May 13 meeting.

The budget will be available for public inspection before it’s adopted, likely at the board’s June 10 meeting.

The next Portage Area School Board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the elementary school auditorium.