Belton board adopts FY26 budget amendment after financial update; assessed valuation rises about $62 million

An administrator presented a FY26 budget amendment and financial update, reporting an assessed valuation of approximately $602,554,651, which the presenter said represented roughly a $62 million increase tied to reassessment, personal property and new construction.

The presenter said revenues were expected to increase by about $1 million largely because of grant and IDA funds rolling into the current year; expenditures were also projected about $1 million higher, primarily from payroll and insurance timing as staff are hired before the fiscal year. The presentation noted a decline of 66 students in current enrollment compared with last year, and the presenter explained the district may use its highest enrollment number for funding calculations across a two-year period, which should mitigate near-term financial effects.

Planned budget actions described included an estimated $1 million rollover from Fund 1 to Fund 2 for teacher salaries and benefits and approximately $800,000 to Fund 4 for capital projects. The presenter reported a fund balance near $21 million (about 21% of the budget) and summarized revenue composition (basic state formula, local taxes, Prop C, grants) and that salaries comprise roughly 70% of expenditures.

A board member voiced concern about the 66-student decline and how future uncertainty will be managed; after brief discussion, a motion to approve the FY26 budget amendment was made, seconded, and approved with no recorded opposition.