York Suburban budget shows roughly $3.5M gap; administration signals larger millage could be proposed
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Summary
Finance staff presented a preliminary 2026–27 budget with $77 million in proposed revenue, an almost $3.5 million projected deficit and recommended levers that include a larger tax increase, use of fund balance and targeted refinements; board members asked for program-level cut scenarios and clear dollar impacts.
District finance staff presented a draft 2026–27 budget that, in its current form, shows a roughly $3.5 million deficit and several cost drivers that the administration said require action.
“Total revenue for the 26–27 budget is 77,000,000,” the finance presenter said. The draft includes a proposed 1.86% tax increase (a 0.51-mill portion intended to phase in debt-service millage tied to capital projects). The presenter said expenditures are about 6% higher than last year, driven by a $270,000 increase in the transportation contract, roughly a $700,000 rise in special-education contracted services, medical-coverage increases (about 10%, roughly $600,000), rising utilities and higher software and supply costs.
“The budget is currently showing a 3 and a half million dollar deficit,” the presenter said. To close the gap, the administration proposed a combination of a larger millage increase, assigned fund balance for one-time items, and continued refinement of expenditures. The finance presenter said a fuller proposal will be returned in April with more detailed numbers and any recommended wage or staffing approvals.
Board members pressed for options and comparisons. Several said staff cuts or program reductions would be the largest lever to close structural gaps but expressed reluctance to remove positions they view as essential. Others requested a side-by-side comparison showing the dollar impact of various tax-increase levels versus specific program or personnel cuts so the community can weigh tradeoffs.
On a related action, the board approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of general-obligation bonds, Series 2026, for the purpose of refunding the district’s 2019 bonds. The roll-call vote on the bond resolution was 9–0.
Administrators said they will bring back an updated proposed budget in April that may include a higher millage than the 1.86% currently shown, additional fund-balance assignments and more precise estimates for insurance and transportation costs.
