Paulding County board hears preliminary FY26 budget and receives clean audit reports

At its April 1 meeting, the Paulding County School Board received a first look at preliminary fiscal 2026 general fund revenue and expenditure projections that show a $1.4 million decline in revenue and new costs driven largely by rising employee health insurance and a drop in state equalization funding.

Anna, a district finance staff member, told the board the district is projecting a $1,400,000 decrease in preliminary general fund revenue largely because equalization is expected to fall by $5,000,000 while local fair share and ad valorem taxes are projected to rise. She also told the board projected health insurance cost increases of $3,800,000 tied to higher state health benefit rates.

The district also reported a projected enrollment decline of 93 students for fiscal 2026. That decline is tied to preliminary…