Bellbrook‑Sugarcreek board adopts five‑year forecast, flags levy need by 2029

The Bellbrook‑Sugarcreek Local Board of Education on Feb. 12 approved a five‑year financial forecast that shows the district moving from modest surpluses into projected deficit spending by 2027 and warns a levy renewal will be needed to avoid steep cash declines by 2029.

Treasurer (name on record) told trustees the forecast was prepared under Ohio Revised Code section 5705.391 and now includes budgeted revenues and three years of projections, saying the forecast "serves as a foundation for department level budgets" and helps the board determine whether to pursue levy options. The presentation noted the district’s 2026 paid enrollment at 2,506 students and described salaries and benefits as almost three‑quarters of expenditures.

"It will cost us $14,698 to educate a kid, including everything," the treasurer said, and the district is receiving "less than $4,000" per pupil from the state, leaving most of the gap to be covered by local property taxes. The presentation used 2026 values provided by the Green County Auditor and showed that property tax reform and the potential loss of continuous levies could reduce projected cash by roughly $1,000,000 by 2029 if renewal revenue is not in place.

Board members pressed and received clarification that a one‑time $6.5 million transfer in 2025 accounted for an expenditure spike that year and that the five‑year forecast’s general‑fund view treats inter‑fund transfers as expenditures for reporting purposes. Trustees also heard that employee insurance costs have risen (the treasurer cited a 9% increase this calendar year) and that negotiated salary increases are known through 2027.

Treasurer information also flagged legislative risk from a pending bill discussed as "House Bill 420," described in the presentation as a measure that, if enacted, would eliminate continuous levies by 2030 and require districts to seek new levies for that revenue. The treasurer advised continued focus on long‑term sustainability and on timing any levy question appropriately.

Following the discussion, the board voted 5–0 to approve the five‑year forecast (motion by Doctor Pryor, second by Missus Anderson). Trustees also approved an amendment to permanent appropriations grossing $52,587.26 and accepted a new $33,152 school bus safety camp grant so the district can spend the funds and request reimbursement.

The district will submit the approved forecast to the Ohio Department of Education as required; the board did not set a date for any levy campaign during the meeting.