Fenton district projects tighter spending, cites $2.4 million debt payment as key pressure

FENTON — At its June 24 meeting, the Fenton CHSD 100 business manager outlined the district’s fiscal calendar and preliminary projections for fiscal year 2026–27, telling the board administrators plan to limit spending growth and continue work on longer-term debt obligations.

The business manager summarized the annual calendar, saying fiscal year accounting runs July 1–June 30, a tentative budget will be presented in August and the board will formally adopt the fiscal-year budget in September after audited financials are available. Staff said early year closing appears favorable and that projections will be updated as audits and levy work conclude.

Board discussion focused on spending‑control strategies and a notable debt obligation. Presenters said they expect to reduce supplies and materials and trim certain administrative costs while continuing routine staffing and benefits increases; they described an outstanding $2.4 million debt‑certificate payment as a constraint the district will continue to manage through reductions and careful forecasting.

The business manager said the district aims to keep expenditure growth below projected CPI (about 2.7%) so revenue increases outpace spending growth and the district can shore up reserves to address the debt payment in future years. Trustees asked for additional briefings to understand category-level changes and longer-term assumptions behind pay and benefits forecasts.

No budget adoption occurred at the meeting; staff will return with tentative and then adopted budgets later in the summer and fall.