Mineral Point board approves 2024–25 budget with estimated $494,000 deficit

The Mineral Point School Board voted to approve the district’s 2024–25 budget after administrators presented updated revenue and expenditure figures showing an estimated deficit of about $494,000.

The staff member presenting the budget said Fund 10 expenditures total $12,444,000 while projected revenues are $11,946,000, and noted that the district closed 2023–24 with a $5,000 surplus. The staff member described revisions since the preliminary budget that reduced the previously projected shortfall of about $580,000 by roughly $90,000, citing updated staffing numbers and other adjustments.

Why it matters: the board approved the budget as presented but will certify the levy and may amend the budget after the state posts final figures in the revenue-limit worksheet. The staff member said voucher figures (listed in the worksheet as $126,000 for the Wisconsin Parent Choice program) are recorded as revenue and then removed by the state; "you will never see this dollar amount," the staff member said, explaining why the line appears large in the worksheet but is passed through to choice programs.

Board members asked procedural and timing questions about levy-certification votes and were told any required budget amendments tied to final state data will require a majority of the full board to approve them. The board moved, seconded and recorded verbal 'yes' votes that affirmed approval of the budget.

Next steps: administrators will check the state’s revenue-limit worksheet when it is released, prepare any required budget amendments before levy certification, and report back to the board. A special session tied to levy certification was discussed and board members were asked to ensure quorum availability for the certification vote.