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City Schools of Decatur proposes FY26 budget, tentatively sets 20.3‑mill tax rate
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Jamia Whitaker and CFO Lonita Broom presented the district's tentative FY26 budget and a tentative millage rate of 20.3 mills; the presentation included four funds (special revenue, nutrition, capital/SPLOST and general fund) and projected revenues and expenditures.
City Schools of Decatur presented its tentative fiscal year 2026 budget at the May 19 meeting, including a tentative millage rate of 20.3 mills and detailed fund projections.
"Per Georgia code title 20, school districts are legally required to adopt an annual budget and millage rate before July 1," Lonita Broom, the district chief financial officer, said as she outlined the four budgets the board approves: special revenue (grants), school nutrition, SPLOST/capital funds, and the general fund.
The district projected approximately $108.7 million in total revenue and $111.9 million in total expenditures for FY26, leaving a difference to be covered by the projected beginning fund balance. Broom noted a projected beginning fund balance of about $20 million and a projected ending balance near $17.7 million, with a fund balance target within board policy.
Highlights included anticipated grant revenues of about $2.8 million, school nutrition expenditures of roughly $4.0 million with projected revenue of about $3.4 million (requiring a general fund supplement), and SPLOST capital expenditures of about $9.0 million with anticipated SPLOST revenue of about $11.5 million.
Broom also summarized recent history of the district's tax digest, reporting a preliminary digest growth of roughly 7.77% and explaining how that, combined with exemptions, produced the revenue figures tied to the proposed 20.3 mill tentative rate.
Superintendent Jamia Whitaker said the budget aligns with the district's strategic accelerators and noted next steps include public hearings and final adoption ahead of the July 1 deadline.
Commissioners and school officials discussed QBE funding formula concerns, health‑care cost pressures and the need to continue legislative engagement on funding formulas; no formal city vote on the school budget occurred at this meeting.
