Crete Public Schools adopts 2025–26 budget, passes precautionary 6% base-growth resolution; proposed levy up about 6¢

The Crete Public Schools Board of Education on Sept. 10 approved the district's 2025–26 budget and passed Resolution 25-01, which authorizes the district to increase its property-tax request authority by up to 6% above the base growth percentage as allowed under Nebraska law.

Chief Financial Officer Ryan Hynes told the board the district faced a $1,470,000 (about 12%) decline in state equalization aid and had previously budgeted roughly $1,100,000 for compensation increases. To help offset those pressures, the district proposed a levy increase of about 6¢ that would raise roughly $3,150,000 in additional revenue, Hynes said. He said a typical homeowner would see an estimated increase of about $8–$11 per month after the state's property-tax credit is applied.

Hynes summarized the numbers presented to the board: total disbursements and transfers in the proposed budget are just over $48 million; taxing funds total roughly $44–45 million; and the district's property-tax request would be about $19.4 million. He described the general fund as the main operating budget, the special building fund for facilities, and the bond fund for voter-approved debt service.

Hynes also explained the district's decision not to use a “necessary cash reserve” — a tax authority that would lock funds and prevent their expenditure — and instead to pursue modest operational efficiencies and carryover funds to maintain cash reserves.

Superintendent Dr. McDowell and Hynes said the proposed levy increase reflects a combination of lower state aid, step increases and negotiated salary changes, and higher operating costs. Hynes noted that while the board was asked to pass Resolution 25-01 tonight, the district did not need to tap the full 6% authority this year; the resolution was described as a precautionary safety net to preserve future flexibility.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25-01 (allowing up to an additional 6% property-tax request authority under Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 79-3403, 79-3405): Passed by roll call (all in favor). Motion to adopt by Vince (mover); second by Michaela Conway. Outcome: approved.

- Adoption of the 2025–26 budget as presented: Passed by roll call (all in favor). Motion to adopt by Greg Holman; second (recorded). Outcome: approved.

- Consent Agenda (minutes, claims, staff adjustments, Treasurer’s Report): Approved by roll call (all in favor) as part of the consent vote earlier in the meeting.

- Student travel approvals: The board approved two out-of-state student trip requests (see separate items): Crete FFA to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis and the World Language Club trip to Costa Rica. Both motions carried by roll call.

What board members and staff said

"State aid actually went down this year, dollars 1,470,000, or 12%," Hynes told the board during his presentation, outlining the primary revenue pressure that spurred the proposed levy change.

Hynes said the district's earlier compensation decisions — totaling about $1.1 million — are another major driver of the fiscal plan. "We're trying to achieve a very balanced and sustainable budget," he said, describing the mix of modest levy increase, use of some carryover and planned operational efficiencies.

Why this matters

Nebraska districts receive state equalization aid that is intended to close the gap between locally raised revenue and the state’s calculated needs. A sizable reduction in that aid forced Crete Public Schools to seek additional local revenue to maintain services and staff compensation. The board approved a budget and a precautionary resolution that keeps the option to increase authority in future years.

Next steps and context

With the board's approval, district staff will file the budget and any required paperwork with the appropriate state and county offices. Hynes and Dr. McDowell said staff will continue to seek efficiencies and monitor state aid developments.

Provenance: first discussion and presentation of budget by Ryan Hynes (transcript start 166.135), budget adoption roll call and final motion (transcript around 1876.91).