Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mason Schools treasurer warns expenses may outpace flat property‑tax revenue; state funding share lower than average
Summary
Treasurer Sean Bevin told the board that two‑thirds of district operating revenue comes from local property taxes while state funding per student has been roughly flat at $4,500; rising expenses and House Bill 920’s millage effects mean expenses could outpace revenues in coming years.
Treasurer Sean Bevin presented the district’s updated multi‑year financial forecast and flagged an emerging gap between relatively flat property‑tax revenue and steadily rising operating costs.
Bevin told the board that about two‑thirds of Mason Schools’ operating revenue comes from local property taxes and roughly 25% from state foundation funding. "Our community really is our biggest supporter," he said during the slide presentation. He noted state funding per pupil has been roughly $4,500 for the past decade and that projected increases tied to the most recent biennium would amount to a modest 6.4% gain over a 12‑year span — “less than a half percent per year on average,” he said.
Bevin and Superintendent Dr. Cooper emphasized that most operating costs are personnel: "Over 80% of our costs are in our people," Bevin said. The district’s per‑pupil spending was reported just under $14,700, compared with a state average around $16,300, and the district places a high share of spending in instruction and student supports (about 62%–69% of operating costs). Administrative costs were low by state measures: central office at about 1.69% and total administration about 9.45% of operating costs.
The presentation identified a key statutory driver of recent millage changes: House Bill 920 (referred to in the presentation as House Bill 9 20). Bevin explained how reappraisals and HB 920’s mechanics can lower effective millage rates even when assessed values rise; the district’s average home value increased by roughly 28% in the county reappraisal year, but the average school tax increase for Mason taxpayers was about 4% because of the law’s interaction with levies.
Bevin said the district’s revenue “stair‑step” pattern — increases when levies pass, then flat collections at full phase‑in — combined with steadily rising expenses means the board should monitor the natural levy cycle and potential need for future community levies. Board members asked clarifying questions; staff said a property‑tax reform update will be presented at the December meeting as several bills move through the legislature.
