Board reviews first draft of FY2026 budget, projects modest use of reserves

Tiffany Lynch, director of finance, on Zoom presented the board’s first draft of the fiscal 2026 budget to the Budget and Audit Committee, saying the three funds included in the draft show a combined budgeted use of reserves “just under 1,500,000.” The draft compares a fiscal 2025 reforecast to the FY2026 proposal and highlights modest changes driven by staffing step increases, a 2% salary assumption, higher IT and professional fees for one‑time implementation costs, and a planned use of facilities and special‑projects reserves. Lynch said the sections budget was not included in this draft but will be in the final version. Committee members were shown line‑item differences and scenario assumptions. Lynch said salaries assume eligible step movement and “no change to our bonus incentive program.” She noted an added 1.0 full‑time equivalent for the proposed entity‑regulation cost center…