Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Homewood SD 153 adopts FY2026 budget with $753,000 operating deficit, plans bonds for school repairs
Summary
The Homewood School District 153 board on Sept. 15 adopted its fiscal year 2026 budget showing an operating deficit driven by property tax adjustments and planned budget cuts, and approved issuing life-safety bonds to fund building repairs without increasing the debt portion of taxpayers' bills, officials said.
The Board of Education of Homewood School District 153 on Sept. 15 approved the district's fiscal year 2026 budget, adopting a spending plan that includes an operating deficit of $753,000 and a package of life-safety repairs to be financed in part by bonds.
The budget vote followed a public hearing and a presentation by district business manager Dr. Eric Trimberger, who said the district increased projected revenues by roughly $315,000 and trimmed expenditures by about $30,000 since the preliminary budget was discussed. "We increased our revenues about $315,000 . . . and we increased our Medicaid reimbursements through the timing of when we received those from the state," Trimberger said. He also told the board the district made about $1,500,000 in budget cuts this year.
The district's operating deficit reflects a $1,000,000 abatement that trimmed property-tax revenue to $557,000 after the district received a property tax relief grant last year. "That gives us an operating deficit of $753,000 this year," Trimberger said.
Why it matters: The adopted budget sets the district's tax levy and spending priorities for the school year and frames near-term staffing and program decisions. Board members said the document reflects months of committee work and that officials will monitor spending closely.
Most important details: The budget resolution the board approved instructs the superintendent and business office to implement the FY2026 budget as presented and to adjust line items if public hearing or meeting comments require changes. During the roll call the board recorded six ayes and the motion carried.
Support for planned repairs: Trimberger told the board the district will sell life-safety bonds in two installments, late 2025 and in calendar year 2026, and said the financing can be structured "so there won't be any additional cost to our taxpayers on debt portions of their property tax." That financing plan ties directly to a separate board action that evening approving life-safety amendments for district facilities (see separate article).
Other notable items addressed during the budget public hearing included the district's use of a property tax relief grant and the timing of state Medicaid reimbursements that temporarily increased revenue projections. Trimberger reiterated the administration's projection that more cuts or conservative spending will be required going forward.
Board action: The board adopted the FY2026 budget by roll call (six ayes). The motion was made "upon the recommendation of the finance and property committee and the chief school business official" to approve the budget for the 2025-26 school year as presented and to adopt the attached resolution declaring the budget.
What's next: District officials said they will monitor enrollment and spending during the year and make adjustments if required.
