Columbia County board approves advertisement of TRIM notice for 2025-26 budget

The Columbia County School Board voted July 22 to approve advertising the TRIM notice for the 2025-26 fiscal year, a procedural step that begins the local budget-notice process.

Board Chair moved to advertise the TRIM notice and the motion was seconded; the board voted in favor. Board members said the advertisement is for public notice only and that a fuller budget discussion will occur at a later meeting.

Board members discussed a 4.38% increase included in the advertisement. One member said the 4.38% increase "is required for us to participate in the FEFP," and emphasized that the increase was not a local initiative but a funding requirement tied to state participation. The board chair said staff will provide a fuller discussion if needed at the next meeting.

The vote the board took was to approve the advertisement for the TRIM notice; the board did not adopt a final millage or final budget at this meeting. The board chair and members described the action as an approval to advertise and to return with more detailed discussion next week if required.

The board approved the personnel items earlier in the meeting and then proceeded to the TRIM advertisement. No public speakers were recorded on the TRIM advertisement itself during this segment of the meeting.

The board will hold additional budget discussions at a later meeting before any final budget or millage rate is adopted.