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Treasurer presents five‑year forecast; board and public raise concerns about state tax proposals and district priorities
Summary
The district treasurer presented the required five‑year financial forecast, highlighting reliance on local property taxes and uncertainties from the governor’s budget and House Bill 96; members of the public and some board members raised questions about forecast assumptions, transfers and administrative pay increases.
The Buckeye Valley Local treasurer presented the district’s five‑year financial forecast and outlined key revenue and expenditure assumptions, including the district’s heavy reliance on local property taxes, potential state‑level changes and the timing of the governor’s budget.
The treasurer said the forecast is required by the Ohio Revised Code and noted that local revenue (property and income taxes) comprises roughly 80% of the district’s revenues while the state provides the remaining share. The presentation emphasized that the forecast reflects current law and available information, not pending legislation, and that the governor’s biennial budget — and proposed measures such as House Bill 96 — could materially change assumptions after the budget is finalized.
The treasurer warned about several legislative proposals under discussion in Columbus, including measures that would change property‑tax assessments and a proposal described as establishing a 30% required cash balance for districts. The treasurer said those proposals are uncertain and that the final forecast will ultimately be updated when the state budget is signed.
Board members and members of the public asked for clarification about the forecast assumptions, including the treatment of increased property valuations from recent reappraisals (one commenter said Delaware County values rose about 36% in calendar year 2023), how revenue growth was modeled, and the district’s practice of transferring funds out of operating accounts. A public commenter with financial and accounting experience asked whether the forecast was prepared to inform the public or to justify a narrative of scarcity in contract talks.
The board approved the five‑year forecast by roll call during the meeting; trustees were reminded the forecast is a snapshot subject to change once the state finalizes its budget.
Why this matters: The five‑year forecast informs long‑range budgeting, certification of contracts and levy decisions. Uncertainty in state policy and property valuations can materially affect local school finances and influence decisions on staffing and programming.
