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Warren Local board approves budget forecast and $173,124 Chromebook purchase amid state funding concerns
Summary
Treasurer Melcie Wells warned that recent state laws could significantly reduce district revenues; the board approved a Budget and Three-Year Forecast and the purchase of 510 Chromebooks for $173,124.60, voting unanimously on the package (RES. NO. 14-26).
Treasurer Melcie Wells presented the Warren Local School District’s Budget and Three-Year Forecast and told the board that recently passed state legislation — House Bills 129, 186, 309 and 335 and provisions in HB 96 — could materially reduce district revenues. She said authoritative revenue data from the Ohio Department of Taxation will not be available until late March and that the forecast uses the best available estimates.
Wells said local property taxes account for roughly 40% of the district’s revenue while state funding represents about 50%, and that the combination of local and state changes creates a significant financial risk for the district. The presentation emphasized uncertainty in revenue projections and the need for close monitoring as official tax figures become available.
The board approved the Treasurer’s recommendations in a single motion (RES. NO. 14-26). That package included approval of minutes from Jan. 13, payment of bills and expenses for January 2026 totaling $2,949,918.81, acceptance of January financial reports and an investment record entry of $432.26, purchase of 510 Chromebooks and Google Chrome licenses from Insight Public Sector Inc. for $173,124.60, and adoption of the Budget and Three-Year Forecast. The motion was made by Mr. Allen, seconded by Mrs. Greenup, and recorded as a unanimous vote (Mr. Allen, Mr. Crum, Mrs. Greenup, Mr. Pettey, Mr. Roush all voting yes).
The forecast and discussion emphasized that until state revenue data are finalized the district must treat projections as provisional. The administration did not present additional program cuts or staffing changes at the meeting; it recommended monitoring revenues and bringing any necessary adjustments back to the board.
Next steps: the district will update the forecast when the Ohio Department of Taxation releases authoritative revenue figures, expected in late March, and staff will report any recommended budget adjustments to the board.
