Treasurer warns of declining cash balance over forecast, district to seek 7.9‑mill levy; trustees approve monthly financial reports

At the Oct. 14, 2025 meeting, the district treasurer presented the October financial forecast and recommended approval of month‑end financial reports for September 2025. The board approved items 4.1–4.5 (financial reports, bank reconciliation, investment earnings and forecast) by roll-call vote.

The treasurer described changes in the forecast methodology and key drivers for revenue and expenditures. Key points included:
- Property-tax timing: A county billing delay last summer caused a temporary dip in property‑tax collections; the treasurer estimated roughly $500,000 in timing-related shortfall tied to late bills and expected recovery in the following fiscal year.
- Revenue assumptions: The treasurer said the forecast was adjusted to be more “realistic” (four-year horizon rather than five) and to avoid banking on delinquent collections or future biennial budget increases.
- State aid and grants: Foundation payments and restricted/unrestricted grants were held flat across the forecast, tied to the biennium budget assumptions.
- Expenditures: Personnel costs reflect current contracts (COLA and step increases); employee retirement and insurance benefits were increased in the forecast from prior assumptions to account for possible future benefits decisions.
- Ending cash: The treasurer reported an expected decline from approximately $5,000,000 at the start of the forecast to a projected negative balance of about $29,500,000 by the end of fiscal year 2029 under the current assumptions, and described that corrective actions are planned.

Ballot measure and next steps: The treasurer stated the district has a 7.9‑mill tax levy on the ballot, with 6.9 mills dedicated to operating. District staff (including Josh, named in the meeting) said they will examine staffing and program options levy or no levy and pledged to keep the board and community updated.

Board action: The board voted to approve the financial items presented (items 4.1–4.5) and the treasurer’s forecast as part of the information presented; the presentation was informational and the district signaled intent to pursue corrective measures and a levy campaign.