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Dover Area SD approves preliminary 2025–26 budget with 0% tax increase; board to use $1.7 million from fund balance
Summary
The Board adopted a proposed final budget for 2025–26 with no tax increase and an anticipated use of $1.7 million from fund balance; the motion passed 8–1 after questions about fund balance calculations and timing for final adoption.
The Board of School Directors adopted a proposed final budget for the 2025–26 school year that includes a 0% tax increase and the planned use of $1,700,000 from the district’s fund balance.
Director McKinney moved approval of the proposed final budget; Director Emmick seconded. The Board discussed the numbers at length. Several members asked the business office to clarify the projected beginning and ending unreserved fund balance, how the budget incorporates prior planned withdrawals and the degree to which projected reserve use is an estimate rather than a final figure.
Chief business staff and the Treasurer explained that the budget is a preliminary document built from the prior year’s budget figures and noted that the $1.7 million figure is the proposed usage of fund balance included in the preliminary submission. The Treasurer said the final, audited fund balance figure could be higher after year‑end records are closed.
Board members also discussed possible program reductions and retiree costs that could change the final outturn. Several members asked for the finance committee to review budget‑to‑actuals when available; the Treasurer recommended prompt adoption so the district can meet tax bill printing and other downstream deadlines.
The Board voted to adopt the proposed final budget: 8 yes, 1 no. The Board chair reminded members this is a preliminary adoption required to meet procedural timelines; the district must publish the proposed final budget for 30 days prior to final adoption. The superintendent and business office will provide follow‑up budget‑to‑actual reports at committee meetings and before the final budget vote.
