Effingham County presents preliminary FY2026 budget; district projects roughly $203 million in revenue

District finance staff presented April financial statements and a proposed FY2026 budget summary, emphasizing the figures are preliminary and will be revised once the county tax digest and millage rate are finalized.

Miss Kane reported a general fund bank balance of $20,045,664 and walked through year‑to‑date revenues and expenditures for the general fund, school nutrition, capital projects, debt service and special revenue funds. She said the proposed FY2026 general fund revenue estimate is "a little over $203,000,000," while projected salary and benefit expenses are roughly $178,000,000 and other expenses about $22,875,000. She also noted capital project revenues and expenses tied to SPLOST and bond proceeds, and explained that some grants have not been fully drawn down and will add revenue later in the fiscal year.

Staff cautioned that final numbers will change after the state and county finalize assessments and the digest; Miss Kane and other administrators said they would return with amendments as necessary after the millage rate is set. Dr. Ford noted an unfinalized parcel could increase the tax digest by roughly $22,000,000 if assessed and included, but added that remains contingent on the digest and appeals process.

Board members discussed health insurance cost pressures as a major driver of budget increases and noted the district will continue to examine where funds can be allocated to support operations and employees. The board opened the meeting to questions on the budget and then moved to executive session later in the agenda; no final budget adoption occurred at this meeting.