Maple Heights Treasurer warns of long-term revenue decline; board approves 2026 spring forecast and appropriations
Loading...
Summary
Treasurer Connie Bowen told the board that revenue is projected to decline about 4.5% from 2026'2030, reviewed property-tax reform and levy constraints, and the board approved appropriations adjustments, a bus-safety grant participation and the 2026 spring forecast.
At the Maple Heights Board of Education meeting on Feb. 24, Treasurer Connie Bowen presented the district's 2026 spring forecast and warned of a multi-year revenue decline that will require planning and possible future adjustments.
Bowen said the district maintained near-breakeven operations in the current year but projected a revenue decrease of about 4.5% from 2026 to 2030 while expenditures rise modestly. "From 2026 to 2030, we're projecting revenues to decrease by 4 and a half percent while our expenses are increasing by only 2 and just over 2 and a half percent," Bowen said, noting that the projected deficit appears farther out, giving the district time to take measured steps.
She reviewed recent state policy changes and property-tax reform (as discussed in multiple House bills during the presentation), explaining that fixed-sum levies (previously termed "emergency levies") now face new limits: renewals are capped at five years and are included in the state's "20-mill floor" calculation. Bowen also flagged the loss of a targeted supplemental payment for higher-poverty districts and declining enrollment as drivers of lower state funding.
On motions from the board, members approved appropriations and adjustments under Resolution No. 27 26 17 (board requested a written breakdown of line-item increases and decreases), authorized the district to participate in a state bus-safety grant to add lighting and mirrors to buses, and adopted the 2026 spring forecast by roll call (all five board members voted yes).
Board members asked about strategies to address enrollment decline and levy timing. Bowen cited options under consideration, including stronger marketing, open-enrollment analysis, staffing reviews, and contract evaluations to control personnel and purchased-service costs. She noted the last local levy renewal was in 2012 and said the district has some time to respond before levy maturities in 2029'2030.
The forecast vote and budget approvals were the principal formal actions taken at the meeting; the board then approved other consent items and moved into a closed executive session later in the evening.
