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Millcreek board adopts $127.9 million budget, approves 4.3% tax increase after debate over enforcement of device fee
Summary
The Millcreek Township School District board approved a $127,876,869 spending plan for 2026–27 and a 4.3% tax rate increase after discussing $793,000 in cuts and concerns about low mechanical-device tax collections. The final vote was 7–2.
The Millcreek Township School District Board of Directors adopted its final 2026–27 general fund budget on May 26, approving $127,638,846 in revenues and $127,876,869 in expenditures and voting to raise the district tax rate by 4.3 percent.
The board discussed roughly $793,000 in administrative reductions, mainly to equipment, information technology, maintenance, athletics and furniture, intended to reduce a structural budget shortfall. Administration said the cuts stem from a multi-year planning process and that the district will continue to monitor expenditures and pursue efficiencies.
The adoption followed an extended discussion that included concerns about staffing levels relative to declining enrollment, long-term fiscal sustainability, and a localized enforcement issue tied to the mechanical-device tax. A board member asked why the district’s estimated mechanical-device revenue was only $4,500, saying the tax code lists $125 per machine and alleging many machines in local businesses are not registered or paying the fee. That speaker urged the district to audit machines, apply fines for nonpayment and consider raising the fee in future years.
Erin (district staff) responded that the district cannot change the rate for the upcoming fiscal year because of statutory notice requirements and that the administration would follow up to determine enforcement and audit options. The board asked administration to report back at the June meeting.
The final budget was adopted by roll call: Yes — Miss Winchellaw, Mr. Winshell, Miss Pascal, Miss Nam, Miss Filbeck, Mr. Dean and Mr. Brink (7). No — Mr. Lindner and Mr. Kilka (2). The motion passed.
The board also approved a year-end closing motion to close the 2025–26 books on June 30, pay bills as needed and authorize weekly bill payments until the next regular meeting in August. Administration said the district will make the budget available for public inspection and has posted supporting documents on the district website.
What’s next: Administration will return with follow-up on mechanical-device tax enforcement and other clarifications requested during the debate. The district said it will continue evaluating longer-term structural solutions to address recurring deficits.
