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Athens‑Clarke County school board reviews FY2026 budget proposal and reiterates tentative 18.8‑mill rate
Summary
Board members heard a proposed balanced FY2026 general fund budget that preserves reserves, adds school safety positions and $1 million for deferred maintenance, and reviewed the tentative millage rate of 18.8 mills; formal votes on the budget and millage were scheduled for later hearings.
The Athens‑Clarke County School Board heard a presentation on the proposed FY2026 general fund budget and the tentative millage rate during a public budget hearing.
Budget presenter Chris Groner told the board the district’s FY2026 proposal is balanced and projects a beginning and ending fund balance of $55,000,000, equivalent to about 2.59 months of expenditures and roughly 21.57% of total expenditures. Groner said the district’s final tax digest produced an 8.66% increase from the prior year, which allowed some restorations and additions while avoiding a drawdown of reserves.
The budget package presented to the board includes the following notable items: an estimated $300,000 for three certified officers; an estimated $840,000 for 14 noncertified (unarmed) officers — proposed as one unarmed officer for each elementary school; $1,000,000 restored for deferred maintenance (with priority on roofs); and a proposed sustainability coordinator position…
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