St. Bernard Parish committee forwards 2025–26 budget and millage readoption to full board

The finance committee reviewed the proposed 2025–26 general fund and special revenue budgets, discussed revenue assumptions and federal grant risks, and voted to forward the recommended millage re‑adoption and budget package to the full board for final approval.

Mr. Fernandez, presenting budget exhibits, said the packet contains six exhibits covering revenue and expenditure summaries, proposed revenues, proposed expenditures, employee benefits comparisons, salary schedules and special revenue fund highlights. "It's basically a conservative budget," he said, noting the proposal assumes current staffing levels, a modest increase in sales tax revenue and the state's projected MFP (Minimum Foundation Program) allocation. He told the committee staff anticipate a slight decrease in retirement rates next year but that projected increases in group insurance premiums will offset some of those savings.

On federal grants, Mr. Fernandez told the committee that the district has received allocations for some programs (including Head Start) but that there is national discussion about potential cuts to federal grants such as Head Start, Title I and Title II. "We're proceeding as if these will be in place; then we will have to adjust if any of those cuts do come down," he said, adding that the district has an "austere plan B" if reductions occur.

The committee reviewed special revenue funds and noted that the millage dedicated to facility maintenance (the maintenance millage) and federal grants such as Title I, Title II and lunch program allocations are reflected in the packet. The committee voted to forward the recommendation to the full board: the motion to send the proposed millage readoption and the proposed 2025–26 general fund and special revenue budgets to the full board carried with a roll call vote reported as unanimous and recorded as "Motion passes 10." Staff planned a public hearing on the proposed budget at 5 p.m. on May 27 and encouraged public comment.

Board members asked specific questions about Head Start funding, dual enrollment support for Nunez Community College partnerships and contingency planning if state or federal revenues decline. Mr. Fernandez said the district had received an allocation for Head Start for the coming year and that the district does not expect a cut “at this time,” but acknowledged national conversations about grant reductions. The committee also discussed the district’s prior competitive ESSER grant (Reimagine) that provided approximately $1.5 million over three years for program expansion; those funds have expired.

The committee’s approval to forward the budget and millage resolution does not finalize adoption; the full board will act after the public hearing and any adjustments.