Winton Woods board adopts financial forecast showing shrinking cash balance; levy scenario modeled

The Winton Woods City School District Board of Education on Tuesday approved a revised financial forecast that projects the district's general-fund cash balance will decline markedly over the coming years unless changes are made.

Treasurer Randy Seymour presented the forecast, which the district prepared to meet a new Ohio Department of Education reporting format (current-year budget plus a three-year forecast). Seymour described the district's revenue mix as roughly 40% local property taxes, about 50% state funding and 6% from other sources. He reported current-year unrestricted state funding at $27,700,000 and restricted state support at $5,000,000, and said projected real-estate collections for 2026 are about $23,500,000 with public-utility collections near $2,600,000.

Seymour told the board the model shows the district's cash balance decreasing from about $19.9 million in the most recent year to roughly $15.0 million in 2026, about $13.0 million in 2027 and, under the assumptions shown, down to roughly $500,000 by 2030. He emphasized the district's assumptions: inclusion only of the general fund, step increases and negotiated contract costs, Medicare and retirement rates tied to wages, projected health-care inflation, modest purchase-services growth and temporary capital outlays (including two bus purchases in the model years).

The presentation included a scenario that assumes a 6-mill levy for collection in 2027; Seymour said the levy was shown strictly for projection purposes and that only the board can decide whether to place a levy before voters. Board members asked for clarity on "inside millage" and permanent-improvement funding; Seymour and Superintendent Denny explained that capital projects are financed through the permanent improvement fund (currently producing about $650,000 annually) rather than the general fund.

After discussion about timing, reappraisal uncertainty and the need to revise appropriations, the board voted unanimously to adopt the financial forecast as presented. Seymour said the district will update the forecast in February and continue weekly and monthly expenditure reviews to inform any future revisions.

The board's adoption sets the forecast on record; any future decisions about levies, additional appropriations or budget reductions would be separate actions requiring board approval.