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Morgan County Board of Education hears proposed $114 million fiscal 2026 budget at public hearing
Summary
At a second public hearing, district staff outlined the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, saying the plan calls for $114,043,251.23 in total revenues, continued heavy spending on salaries and benefits, one-time capital outlays and a projected general fund balance. The board later approved the budget on the consent agenda.
The Morgan County Board of Education held a second public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget and heard a presentation from district staff member Mister Hagood on revenue, expenditures and fund balances.
Mister Hagood said, “We got $114,043,251.23 in proposed revenues for the total budget,” and explained how that total compares with the prior year and how federal, state and local funding sources factor into the plan.
The proposal allocates the largest share of spending to instruction. Hagood said the district’s reported general fund total is $98,023,889.85 and that the bulk of growth in revenues this year was in state funding. He described the distribution of revenues by source as roughly 4% state-funded, 35% local and 7% federal, and said some federal funds come with spending restrictions.
Hagood told the board that salaries and benefits make up the majority of spending: about 72% of the total budget and about 83% when capital expenditures are excluded. He also said there are $23,466,419 in one-time capital expenses included in the plan and the district’s debt service for the year is $6,746,007.07.
On the district’s cash position, Hagood reported a one-month operating balance of $9,944,136.83 and said the proposed ending general fund balance is $42,000,009.65. He noted expenditures in the general fund exceed revenues by $12,239,407 and said the district is drawing down some fund balances and using previously received state funds to cover planned spending.
Board members did not engage in extended debate during the public hearing. The item subsequently appeared on the consent agenda and was approved by unanimous vote later in the meeting (see “Votes at a glance” article for motion and vote details).
The hearing included comparisons to the prior year’s budget presentation and an explanation that some prior-year budgeted amounts were not spent, which Hagood said is one reason the proposed 2026 budget looks closer to planned activity. He highlighted capital outlay items tied to ongoing building and infrastructure work. No statutory citations or outside legal authorities were referenced during the discussion.
The board approved the fiscal year 2026 budget later in the meeting as part of the consent agenda.
