Mt. Healthy City board approves May 2026 fiscal forecast, cites levy as key to improved outlook

The Mt. Healthy City Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a May 2026 fiscal forecast and companion financial recovery documents that staff said reflect a major improvement in the district’s projected finances after voters passed a local earned-income levy.

The treasurer presented the forecast and accompanying assumptions, noting the district will not begin collecting new levy revenue until Jan. 1, 2027, and that the levy’s phased-in collections were incorporated into the projections. Board members were told the updated numbers shift the district from large projected deficits in earlier forecasts to positive balances over the projection window, a change staff described on the record as roughly a $100 million swing from prior estimates.

Why it matters: With levy revenue included, the forecast shows material improvement in the district’s near-term cash picture and supports the financial recovery plan the district must maintain while under state oversight. Board members and staff cautioned the gains depend on assumptions now in the forecast — in particular a directive not to include salary or benefits increases in the projection period — and said future bargaining or compensation changes could alter the long-range outlook.

Board action and details: The board voted, 5–0, to approve the May 2026 fiscal forecast (motion by Mr. Frasier; second by Mr. Kilgore). The board also approved the financial recovery plan workbook and related amended resources and appropriations that align the district’s budget book to the updated forecast; all votes on those items were unanimous.

Staff noted other technical items included in the package: adjustments to general-fund estimates and reallocated appropriations into a classroom facilities maintenance fund to better track facility spending, and recent recommendations from the Auditor of State that were incorporated into the materials.

What officials said: Superintendent Sarah Wilson thanked the community volunteers who helped pass the levy and said staff will publish an FAQ for municipalities and stakeholders explaining timings and next steps tied to the Jan. 1, 2027 start of collections. The treasurer emphasized the forecast is “data informed” and flagged that Medicaid reimbursements and timing changes can affect month-to-month variances.

Next steps: Staff will forward the amended appropriation certificate to the Hamilton County auditor and budget commission as required, post the forecast materials publicly, and continue routine monthly monitoring. The board directed staff to maintain transparency about implementation and to revisit assumptions if compensation or other major variables change.