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Carroll County Board certifies estimated rollback rate, presents balanced FY 2025–26 tentative budget
Summary
At a May special meeting, Carroll County School officials presented a balanced tentative FY 2025–26 budget and the board unanimously certified an estimated rollback rate of 16.259 mills as an interim, state-required step; board set public hearing dates for June.
The Carroll County Board of Education on a May special meeting presented a balanced tentative fiscal year 2025–26 budget and unanimously certified an estimated rollback rate of 16.259 mills as an interim, state-required step.
The district’s budget presenter, Blaine Wolf, said the tentative budget covers all three funds and is balanced for general fund revenues and expenditures, with an estimated fund balance of $28,500,000. "This represents less than 2 months of operating expenses," Wolf said, calling the balance "very lean" compared with other districts. Wolf also reported that 68% of the general fund budget is for direct instruction and that 86% of the total budget covers personnel costs. The district’s total governmental funds will support 23 schools, two college and career academies and multiple programs serving over 16,000 students.
The presentation included a comparison of local tax burden: Wolf said the tax levy per learner is the lowest among surrounding multi–high school districts and that over the past 13 years the board has cut the millage rate six times, including three consecutive years. She noted the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement rated the district four out of five stars for financial efficiency and that per-learner spending remains below 88% of Georgia districts.
The board then moved to certify the estimated rollback rate at 16.259 mills "as the most conservative approach since we do not have the information to calculate the actual rollback rate at this time," Wolf said. A board member moved to certify the number, a second was given, and the board voted unanimously by voice and raised hands to adopt the certification.
Wolf outlined the next steps in the budget timeline: a second public meeting is scheduled for June 16 at 5:30 p.m., and final budget adoption is scheduled for June 19.
The board did not adopt a final millage levy at the meeting. Wolf characterized the certification as "an interim step, required by the state," and the district will calculate the actual rollback rate when additional information becomes available.
