Plymouth Joint School District approves $14.66 million tax levy; budget projects roughly $700,000 shortfall

At its annual meeting, the Plymouth Joint School District board approved a total tax levy of $14,657,619 for the 2025–26 fiscal year, voting to set levies for the general fund, community service and debt service as presented.

District business manager Amy presented the budget overview and said the district’s revenue limit for 2025–26 is calculated on a three‑year rolling average with a per‑pupil revenue limit of $11,650, producing a district revenue limit of $24,816,257. Amy said the district will receive about $13,478,000 in general equalized state aid this year, a decrease from about $13.9 million the prior year — a drop she described as roughly 3.5% — which contributes to the need for a higher local levy.

The board was presented with the following levy amounts and approved them by voice vote: fund 10 (general fund) $10,870,544; fund 80 (community service) $245,000; and fund 30 (debt service) $3,542,075, for a total levy of $14,657,619. The board’s motion to approve the levy passed with all members voting in favor.

Why it matters: state revenue limits and recent state budget choices mean the district is receiving limited new general aid while certain mandatory or state‑driven costs have risen, forcing the district to rely more on local property tax levies to balance operations.

Key budget details presented - Projected revenues: about $34.9 million;…