Fargo board gives preliminary approval to district budgets; administration warns figures are preliminary

Jackie (presenter) told the board the budget presented for preliminary approval was still tentative and would change before final adoption.

Jackie opened the budget presentation by stressing it was “very preliminary” and that negotiated-agreement updates and final grant allocations were not yet included. On revenue, the budget assumes a 3% cap on property-tax growth consistent with local assumptions; Jackie said state per‑pupil aid in the proposed budget reflects the state formula and historical offsets, which reduced the net increase the district will actually see.

On expenditures, Jackie said non-negotiated staff lines were budgeted at 1.5% increases and that negotiated pay steps were included pending agreement timing. She noted a 7% increase in health insurance premiums (effective 1/1/2026) and a 5% increase in dental were included in planning numbers. Departments reviewed lines carefully and many non-pay lines decreased; administration highlighted contracted increases for nursing services, school resource officers and transportation contracts.

On capital and other funds, Jackie said the building fund assumes a 3% property-tax cap and includes multi-facility contract expenditures; the district plans no new mills for the special‑assessments fund and expects to levy zero mills there this year. For nutrition services, Jackie said federal reimbursement and direct‑certification changes have stabilized revenue and that bad debt appears to be just above $100,000 but below the previously feared $200,000.

Board member Greg moved for preliminary approval of the general fund, building fund, special assessments, special levy, debt service and nutrition services budgets; roll call was 7–0 in favor. Board member Robin noted the board had approved a deficit budget and reminded members that administration is required to present a balanced final budget unless the board again approves a deficit.