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Treasurer warns of tightening finances; board debates timing and size of a potential levy
Summary
Treasurer Augustine presented a five‑year outlook showing declining revenue in FY27 and flat revenues thereafter, prompting a debate about whether to place a levy on the ballot before a finalized strategic plan. Members split between waiting for a clear plan and preparing a bold, well‑messaged request.
Treasurer Augustine told the board the district’s five‑year forecast projects a revenue decline from FY26 to FY27 and little growth through FY30, leaving projected cash balances near roughly 33 days of operating cash. The FY27 general‑fund budget target is $627.9 million, about a 1.07% reduction from the current year, and recurring drivers include step increases (~$6 million) and a cost‑of‑living adjustment (~$16 million).
The treasurer outlined the budget build approach: first fund legally required obligations ('legal compliance'), then address high‑priority items, and later consider discretionary additions. He cautioned that without reductions the district could face cash‑flow pressure in future years and that the board must act before the June 30 budget adoption deadline.
On levies, Augustine presented illustrative scenarios showing a range of five‑year millages and school‑district income‑tax equivalents (rough ranges presented; examples included 5.67 to 11.84 mills in the scenarios). He described filing and resolution deadlines (initial resolution at least 100 days before an election; August deadlines for a November ballot) and warned that property‑tax reform changes ballot language and voter messaging.
Board members were divided: several said they would not support a substantial new levy without an agreed strategic plan and clear outcome targets; others urged either a bold, comprehensive levy well tied to a strategic vision or a minimal 'survival' ask focused on facility repairs and legal compliance items. Members also noted the calendar constraints (August resolution deadline for November) and the need to coordinate messaging with other local levies and elections.
Ending: The board asked for continued budgeting updates and instructed administration to return with more detailed budget packages and timeline options; some members recommended the district prepare a strategic plan that can be used to support any future levy ask.
