RBB board closes public budget hearing after approving advertised 4% levy increase and $2 million education boost

The Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation board closed a public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget after hearing staff outline revenue and appropriation changes that will affect next year’s spending. Paul Feder, who presented the budget materials, said the operations levy was advertised at the 4% increase allowed by the state and the education budget was increased by $2,000,000 to roughly $22,000,000.

Feder said the district’s revenue supports the increase. "The operations fund is gonna go up 4%," he said, and added that the education budget was raised because it was low this year.

Why it matters: the board will need to adopt resolutions at its October meeting to authorize additional appropriations. Feder pointed to a remaining appropriation shortfall in the education fund of about $325,000 that the board must formally approve to spend. He also warned of pressure on the operations fund, noting the district could "lose probably around $800,000 next year in that fund," which may affect how capital needs such as bus replacements are funded.

The hearing covered the budget, the capital projects plan (projects over $10,000 that are prioritized year to year) and a two‑bus line in the bus replacement plan. Feder said the capital plan has not changed substantially but remains important for scheduling and budgeting larger purchases. Board members asked for clarity about timing and how multi‑year purchases would be scheduled to avoid coincident large payments.

Next steps: Feder told trustees they will receive appropriation resolutions in October to cover the education‑fund shortfall. The board took no additional public comment during the hearing and moved on to the regular meeting.

Provenance: Topic introduced and summarized during the public budget hearing presentation and business manager’s report.