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Board approves 2026–27 budget (8–1) and Homestead/Farmstead exclusion; tax impact details explained
Summary
The board approved the 2026–27 budget with an 8–1 roll-call vote and passed a Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion resolution. The budget includes a 2.5% tax increase and a recurring $22.6M debt-service line; the exclusion raises benefit amounts by $60.34.
The Chambersburg Area SD board approved two budget-related items June 2: a Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion resolution and the 2026–27 budget.
Mrs. Stauffer presented the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion resolution and said the board increased the exclusion value by $60.34 compared with 2025–26. The administration committed $1.2 million of a legally earmarked fund balance to the exclusion and noted additional gaming revenue contributed to the increase. Mrs. Stauffer provided examples: an implied market value of about $230,000 would yield an effectively zero net tax change (a 4-cent increase was noted in context), the district average market value (~$310,000) would see roughly a $20.60 increase, and the median value (~$283,000) would see about a $13.76 increase in tax bills.
The board then considered the 2026–27 budget. Mrs. Stauffer said projected revenue was a little over $218 million and expenditures about $219 million, creating a forecast deficit just under $700,000. The administration recommended a 2.5% tax increase, moving the millage to 139.8793, and included a $22.6 million recurring debt-service line to support planned capital financing.
On a roll-call vote, eight board members voted yes and one (Mr. Rayburn) voted no; the motion passed 8–1. The approval sets the fiscal plan and tax rate for 2026–27; board members noted the budget assumes continued conservative planning and that staff will monitor revenues, expenditures and debt-service needs as the district proceeds with capital planning.
