Southern York County SD reviews proposed 2025‑26 budget; projects $2.7M deficit without tax increase

Southern York County School District staff on Wednesday presented a proposed 2025‑26 budget that projects $65.7 million in revenues, $68.4 million in expenditures and a $2.7 million deficit that the district plans to cover from fund balance rather than raise taxes.

The presentation by Sue Green, a district staff member, and Trevor Carrington, a district staff member, outlined revenue gains of roughly 2–2.6% and expenditure growth near 3%, while flagging several vulnerabilities including recurring health‑insurance increases, uncertain state funding, and the possibility that elevated interest earnings may decline. "Even though we came in better on revenues, we actually still are using fund balance," Green said during the briefing.

Why it matters: the district plans to present a proposed budget for board approval on April 10 and a final budget in May that will set the tax rate and the homestead/farmstead relief amount. Board members and staff said relying on fund balance and volatile revenue lines — primarily interest earnings and one‑time state or federal grants — increases future budget risk.

District finance overview

Carrington told the board that local revenue remains the largest source, with real estate taxes comprising about half of total revenue and earned income tax about 11%. "Most recently last year interest earnings were…