Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Tax Levy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Interstate 35 board sets FY27 levy lower than initial proposal after debate over management fund build-up
Summary
After extended discussion about the district's management fund and potential voter reaction to a future bond, the Interstate 35 Comm School District board voted to set the FY27 tax levy at the workshop figure (16.19091) rather than administration's higher proposed levy, while approving the certified budget and related levy actions.
The Interstate 35 Comm School District board voted to set the FY27 tax levy at the workshop level of 16.19091 after a lengthy discussion over how much to allocate to the district’s management fund.
Board members and finance staff reviewed two levy options: the administration's proposed rate of 16.95156 (which would put approximately $1.6 million into the management fund) and the workshop figure of roughly 16.19091 (which would result in a smaller addition to that fund). Finance staff explained the management fund pays unemployment claims, property and workers’ compensation insurance and related costs; the district reported a management fund balance of $540,000 as of March 31 and said annual outflows have historically been in the $600,000–$650,000 range.
Several board members expressed concern about asking taxpayers for the larger dollar increase when historical expenses from the management fund have been substantially lower, and one member said community feedback suggested any perceived increase could affect voting sentiment on an upcoming facilities bond. Finance staff and other board members responded that keeping reserves in the management fund helps avoid large out‑of‑pocket costs after storms or claims and noted legislative uncertainty could reduce state revenues in future years.
After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to adopt the levy figure discussed at the workshop (16.19091). The board conducted an individual roll call and approved the motion.
The approved levy decision was part of the board’s formal certification of the FY27 budget. Board members also approved related budget measures during the meeting, including a prepayment surplus levy to retire the district’s 2017 GO bond within 10 years.
Next steps: the district will finalize budget certification documents and continue public outreach ahead of the planned bond election, and staff said any future adjustments would be considered in subsequent budget cycles.
