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Board hears budget projections; certifies 2025 summer tax levies by roll call
Summary
District staff presented final 2024–25 figures and a preliminary 2025–26 budget that projects drawing down fund balance; the board certified the 2025 summer tax levies in a roll‑call vote.
Business office staff presented the district’s fiscal summary for the just‑ending fiscal year and a preliminary budget for 2025–26. The board then certified the 2025 summer tax levies (City of Williamston and Meridian Township) in a recorded roll‑call vote.
Why it matters: The budget presentation showed planned use of fund balance in the current and next fiscal year, and the certified tax levy sets the district’s summer property tax millage for two taxing authorities.
Budget highlights presented by the business manager: - 2024–25 final: The presentation showed an expected draw from fund balance of approximately $500,000 at year‑end; the projected undesignated fund balance after the close was roughly $6.9 million (about 24.7% of expenditures), described by staff as healthy. - 2025–26 (preliminary): Staff presented a conservative estimate that could draw roughly $1.0 million from fund balance in 2025–26 under current assumptions; that projection left an estimated year‑end fund balance of about $5.9 million (≈20.1% of expenditures). The presenter emphasized state aid numbers were not finalized and that the estimate is conservative. - Drivers: Anticipated revenue decreases and known funding changes were factored into the projection, including uncertainty about categorical grants and final state aid amounts. Staff recommended evaluating budget decisions on a two‑year cycle once state budget outcomes are known.
Tax levy action and vote: - The board certified the 2025 summer tax levies (City of Williamston and Meridian Township) including line‑by‑line mills for general operations (nonhomestead), Headlee hedge, bond and debt millages, recreation and sinking fund. The motion listed specific millages (for example, 8.8851 mills for general operations nonhomestead, 1.25 mills for the 2024 bond, and other debt mills as read into the record). - The clerk performed a roll‑call vote. Board members recorded “Yes” votes (transcript lists each member’s verbal Yes); the motion carried.
Board context and next steps: Trustees discussed the level of fund balance and the prudence of delaying major cuts until final state aid figures are available. Administration said it would revisit the budget once state numbers are finalized and recommended a two‑year view before making service reductions.
