Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Chambersburg Area SD board approves advertisement of proposed 2026 budget after 7-1 vote
Loading...
Summary
The Chambersburg Area School District board voted 7-1 to advertise the proposed final 2026 general fund budget, which includes a 2.5% tax increase to a millage rate of 139.8793 and $3.0 million earmarked for debt service; final adoption is scheduled for June.
The Chambersburg Area School District board voted to advertise the proposed final 2026 general fund budget after a 7-1 voice vote at its April meeting.
Budget presenter Stauffer told the board the package includes a 2.5% tax increase that would set the millage rate at 139.8793 and that administration has earmarked $3,000,000 within the plan to address debt service. "We are looking at a 2.5% tax increase that will take our millage rate to 139.8793," Stauffer said.
Why it matters: Advertising the budget is the formal step required before final adoption; the board must complete additional procedural votes before a final approval in June. If adopted as advertised, the levy will raise the district's millage to the level Stauffer outlined and funds identified as debt service will be reserved in the coming fiscal year.
Board debate centered on the sustainability of recurring increases and how the district manages long-term debt. Board member Hejduk raised concerns about repeated contract escalators and long-term affordability, noting inflation and contract language that can include annual increases. "We can't keep doing that forever because we're going deeper and deeper into a ditch," Hejduk said, urging future discussion on fiscal strategy.
Board member Raber said his own tax bill had decreased since 2020 because of the Homestead Act and said he would vote against advertising the budget. Several other members acknowledged rising costs but said the proposed budget showed fiscal restraint and that administration had requested necessary funding rather than excess. The chair announced the motion passed 7—1; the board will consider final adoption at its June meeting.
The board also discussed that one prior planned $1,000,000 capital reserve amount had been moved into the debt service category; Stauffer characterized that treatment as part of the district's debt planning. The board did not take any immediate amendments to the advertisement motion.
Next steps: The budget will be advertised publicly as required and the board will hold the final vote on adoption in June.
