Treasurer flags House Bill 187, potential health-insurance changes and a review of student fees

At the Oct. 9 meeting, Orange City School District Treasurer Mr. Jones briefed the board on multiple financial issues affecting the district’s budget and families.

Property tax legislation: Mr. Jones said several bills affecting property taxation are moving in Columbus and highlighted House Bill 187, which the state House planned to take up the following Wednesday at 2 p.m., and a Senate companion, cited as Senate Bill 153. He said the measures under consideration would affect property-tax calculations statewide and urged board members and community members to contact legislators. "Stay tuned. Stay engaged," Jones said, describing the proposals as complex and potentially carrying different effects across counties.

Health insurance: Jones told the board that a 13% rate increase in the consortium’s health insurance premiums is taking effect and estimated the board’s share of that increase at about $100,000 per month. He said the 20-district consortium is actively examining whether switching carriers could save as much as $10 million annually. Jones described the logistics of a potential switch as substantial, with a recommended transition timeline of four to six months and a most probable implementation date of Oct. 1 of next year if a change is approved. He also noted the consortium covers approximately 5,700 insured employees and about 16,000 plan beneficiaries across member districts.

Fees and supplies review: Jones said the district will take a hard look this school year at fees charged to families, including general supply fees and a technology/no-fault repair fee for Chromebooks that helps cover repair costs. He noted equity concerns when fees are waived for some families but not for others and said the board and staff will examine which costs should be borne by parents versus the district. Jones said one family had recently incurred more than $300 in fees and asked the board to consider how fee structures affect families.

Positive budget note: Jones reported a positive change in state funding tied to an increase in the minimum state foundation level, which he said will result in roughly $500,000 in additional estimated revenue for the district. He also noted the district is rotating low-yield securities into higher-rate investments, producing additional income.

Donations: The treasurer reported two recent donations: one from the Make-A-Wish Foundation and a second to the Broadway pro-buddies program through Stagecrafters.

Board members asked follow-up questions about bill process, timing for an insurance transition, and how fees are communicated to families. Mr. Jones said he would share materials and samples of testimony from county auditors so board members can review the legislation and contact legislators if they wish.

No formal action was taken on the reported items at the Oct. 9 meeting; the report was informational.