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Hunterdon Central board approves 2026–27 budget, lowers levy to 2.27% after debate over reserves and health costs
Summary
After extended questioning, public comment and a failed amendment to cut the levy to 1.5%, the Hunterdon Central Regional High School Board adopted its 2026–27 final budget—reducing the proposed tax increase from 3% to 2.27%—while approving insurer and capital funding adjustments the administration said offset rising health‑care costs.
The Hunterdon Central Regional High School Board of Education voted Tuesday to adopt a final 2026–27 budget that trims a previously proposed 3% tax levy increase to 2.27%, following hours of presentation, trustee questioning and heated public comment.
The budget package, moved and seconded by board members during the open meeting, preserves existing curricular and co‑curricular programs while recognizing the district’s “fiscal realities,” Superintendent (title recorded in the meeting) said during a detailed presentation on revenues and expenditures. The administration said two recommended adjustments—changing the prescription‑plan provider and using emergency reserves to absorb some health‑benefit costs—produce savings that helped reduce the levy.
Why it matters: Trustees framed the vote as a balance between protecting programs and guarding long‑term fiscal health. The administration emphasized that rising health‑care costs (the superintendent cited an 18% increase for the current year) and…
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