Kenston treasurer outlines tax budget, five-year forecast and potential state-driven risks
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Summary
Treasure r presented the required annual tax budget, estimating about $37 million in general fund revenue and noting a $705,000 surplus last year; public commenters and staff warned recent state bills could pose funding risk.
Kenston Local School District Treasurer reviewed the district’s annual tax budget and five-year forecast at the Jan. 12 meeting, and described how the document ties to property-tax revenues and the county budget commission’s review process.
The treasurer said the county auditor’s schedule B projects roughly $37,000,000 in general fund revenue for the coming fiscal year and reviewed how the tax budget estimates available resources, planned expenditures and the estimated unencumbered fund balance. He noted the district finished the prior year with an estimated $705,000 surplus but cautioned that inflation and ongoing expenditures will reduce surplus over time.
The treasurer also discussed new state house bills that could change how local property-tax millage is assessed and noted a recent change that gives county budget commissions more authority to adjust previously voter-approved millage in certain circumstances. He said the district is working with other county districts and officials to monitor proposed changes.
During public comment Michael Eisner, identified as a past co-chair of the district’s permanent improvement levy effort, warned that two state bills could project districts losing about $6.5 million collectively and urged community and board vigilance. Board members acknowledged the concern and said they will continue to coordinate with county officials.
The treasurer said the tax-budget document and the five-year forecast will be posted on the district website and that the board will receive an updated five-year forecast in February.
