Scobey board adopts 2025–26 budget, adds levy dollars for building repairs and bus replacement

The Scobey K-12 Schools Board of Trustees adopted the district’s 2025–26 budgets, mill levies and operating reserves after a budget presentation by district staff.

Staff member (S2) told the board that the district’s taxable value dropped about $500,000, which affected mill calculations and required budgeting adjustments. To respond, staff proposed modest reductions in transportation spending and a targeted use of a five-year building-reserve levy. S2 said the district could add $23,000 to the levy this year to leverage a larger state match, which would increase state participation for projects such as the elementary-school roof, commons bathrooms, junior-high locker-room repairs, door fob installations and window replacement.

Committee member (S3) moved to adopt the fiscal-year 2025–26 budgets and mills and to set operating reserves as presented; the chair seconded the motion and the board approved it. The board recorded affirmations during the vote and carried the motion.

S2 reviewed other budget choices: reducing a transportation cash reserve, continuing bus-depreciation planning to build funds for vehicle replacement, and retaining a target reserve level (generally about 10 percent of general-fund expenditures) to ensure cash flow early in the school year. S2 also said the district expects entitlement revenue in September, which will help cash balance despite the drop in taxable value.

Board members asked questions about specific reserves and how the state match for the building reserve would apply. S2 confirmed the district plans to prioritize roof work, locker-room repairs and certain security upgrades if the matched funds are obtained.

The board’s adoption of the budget and operating-reserve settings clears the way for staff to proceed with bidding and planning for the listed projects. The board scheduled continued oversight as project details and vendor quotes are developed.