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North Allegheny Board hears preliminary 2025–26 budget forecast; Act 1 index resolution proposed
Summary
Board finance staff presented a preliminary 2025–26 budget showing an unaudited 2023–24 general fund surplus and a projected $27.7 million ending fund balance, previewed a no‑change millage forecast, and recommended passing an Act 1 index resolution limiting any tax increase to the state index.
Mr. Hauser, the district finance presenter, told the North Allegheny School District Board on Nov. 13 that the district’s unaudited 2023–24 general fund results showed about a $3.7 million surplus and that the district’s projected ending fund balance is $27,700,000. He said the district moved $1.5 million into capital and technology funds and that auditors are expected to finish the audit by the end of November with statements available in December.
Hauser presented an early forecast for 2024–25 (as of Oct. 31) showing the district tracking roughly to a $1.0 million surplus against budget at this early stage, noting that October reflects the first month when many invoices for September activity arrive. He flagged pressure points that could affect the forecast, including third‑party transportation costs, medical expense trends, and changes in interest earnings after a recent Federal Reserve rate change.
On growth assumptions, Hauser said the district is using a 1% real‑estate assessed value growth assumption for planning and that the Act 1 index is currently projected at 4 percent. He said the Act 1 index would equate to approximately $5.1 million of additional annual revenue if the board were to levy up to the index, but that the current five‑year forecast was built with no change in millage rates.
On the district’s non‑general funds, Hauser reported about $112 million in general‑fund cash on hand as of Oct. 31 (reflecting the timing of tax receipts), a capital reserve balance of about $9 million with a $1,250,000 receivable, a technology fund with roughly $2.6 million cash and a $750,000 receivable, and about $5 million in the 2019 bond fund with approximately $3 million encumbered for projects.
Board members raised questions about the timing of Allegheny County tax appeals and how refunds and appeals could affect growth estimates. Hauser said the county’s shift in appeal deadlines has extended some processes this year but that he expects appeals to settle into January, which would give a clearer picture for 2025–26 planning.
Public commenter John Harrison asked that the board provide dollar figures for the compensation and benefits plan before the next meeting so the public can see the cost impact; board staff did not provide those figures during the work session and the item remains scheduled for action at the next voting meeting.
Next steps: Hauser said the district will update the preliminary budget in December for board review, present a proposed final budget in March–April, and return with a final budget in June.
