Murray School District proposes $420M budget amid rising costs and no tax increase

Murray City School District (MCSD) is set to navigate a significant budgetary landscape for the upcoming fiscal year, as outlined in the recent board meeting held on June 13, 2025. The district is proposing a budget that reflects a $70 million increase, driven primarily by a 13.63% rise in health insurance premiums. Notably, the board has committed to maintaining the current tax rate, ensuring that all increased costs will be covered by ongoing funds rather than new tax levies.

The proposed budget highlights a total assessed value of $420 million, with a growth rate of 6.2% on existing properties. This positions MCSD as having the highest assessed value per student in Utah, although the district's tax rate remains one of the lowest in the state at 0.004541. This fiscal conservatism is evident, as the board has only approved two tax increases in the past 12 years, both of which were tied to specific projects.

In response to declining student enrollment, the district plans to reduce its teaching staff by four positions, reflecting a broader trend of budgetary adjustments. Despite these cuts, the district anticipates a net increase in unrestricted funding of $16.6 million, which will support a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for all employees and bonuses for educational support professionals.

The budget also addresses the challenges posed by rising costs in special education programs, which require additional resources beyond what is provided by state funding. The district is prepared to subsidize these programs, projecting a shortfall of approximately $300,000 this year.

Looking ahead, MCSD is moving forward with significant capital projects, including the addition to Murray High School and the rebuild of Riverview Junior High, with a combined budget of around $15 million. The board is also planning for future bond issues to support ongoing infrastructure needs.

As the district prepares to implement this budget, the focus remains on balancing fiscal responsibility with the educational needs of its students, ensuring that quality education continues to be a priority amidst financial constraints. The board's commitment to not raising taxes while managing increased costs will be closely watched by the community as the new fiscal year approaches.