Benton County Board approves budget committee report and several budget resolutions including E‑Rate match and flood repairs

The Benton County Board of Education approved the budget committee report and a package of budget resolutions after a report by the Budget Committee.

Speaker 6 presented the Budget Committee report, which summarized proposed coaching supplements and raises ($2,500 for certified staff; $2,000 for non‑licensed staff), February projections for the 2025–26 school year, and an anticipated 4.5% increase in health insurance costs. Speaker 6 noted the committee reviewed revenues, expenditures, and the district fund balance.

During consideration of budget resolutions, Speaker 3 explained key adjustments: $19,000 moved out of insurance to cover medical supplies (connected to a grant), $40,000 moved into technology contracted services to support new web/network work and to meet an E‑Rate match requirement (Speaker 3 characterized the E‑Rate match as 'like 30,000'), and additional amounts to cover repairs at Briarwood following a flooded basement and chiller damage. Speaker 3 said the Briarwood claim had grown from an initial ~$12,000 to amounts described in the meeting (transcript references included $16,000 and a separate $9,600 submission), and said some expenses are being covered by insurance while additional repair work is being planned.

Speaker 3 added that mini‑split units installed performed 'better than satisfactory' and that the district staff and outside engineer were preparing drawings to bid out remaining work. After discussion the board approved the resolutions by roll call (announced '12 yes').

The board set a budget committee meeting for Thursday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m. to review additional projections and follow up on budget planning.