Board adopts 2024–25 final budget, tentatively adopts 2025–26 budget and schedules Truth‑in‑Taxation hearing

SANDY, Utah — The Canyons Board of Education approved revisions to the district’s 2024–25 budget, tentatively adopted the 2025–26 budget on a preliminary basis and set a Truth‑in‑Taxation hearing for Aug. 5, the board announced Tuesday.

Business administrator Leon Wilcox presented a detailed budget review, noting modest upward adjustments to the current year’s revenues and expenses due to unspent carryovers and higher utility and personnel costs. The revision reflects carryover funds in land trust, Title I and other restricted accounts and increased expenditures for school supplies, technology and a small number of filled positions.

For fiscal 2025–26, Wilcox presented a tentative budget that anticipates continued pressure from inflation, rising insurance costs and negotiated salary increases. The presentation included a proposed voter‑approved levy increase that would generate additional operating revenue primarily to fund teacher and support‑staff compensation and a capital levy increase to cover lease revenue bond payments for the Innovation Center.

At the meeting trustees voted to: approve the final 2024–25 revenues and expenditures as presented; adopt the 2025–26 revenues and expenditures on a tentative basis; and authorize the district’s Truth‑in‑Taxation hearing on Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. to set property tax rates. The administration said the proposed tax adjustments would generate roughly $4.08 million in additional voted levy revenue and about $2.56 million for capital levy obligations; the precise certified rates set by the state tax commission will be confirmed before the August hearing.

Wilcox said the district continues to budget conservatively and expects to finish the year with a general‑fund balance consistent with recent practice. He reviewed capital priorities including ongoing Innovation Center construction and planned work at Jordan High, and noted the district’s starting teacher salary remains competitive with neighboring districts, which officials said remains critical to recruitment and retention.

Board members asked staff to improve concise communications for legislators and the public about why tax increases are requested, citing complexity in state funding and the need to cover inflation, mandated safety and other costs. Trustees emphasized the administration should prepare clear, digestible materials explaining major cost drivers for use with state legislators and the public before the August hearing.

The board recorded motions and votes to adopt the budgets; the items passed on the board floor. Final adoption of the 2025–26 budget and tax rates will follow the public hearing in August.