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Barnes County North approves 2024–25 budget, levies 70 mills despite projected $893,000 deficit
Summary
The Barnes County North school board approved the district's 2024'25 budget and a 70‑mill levy at its Sept. 18 meeting, citing a projected $893,000 deficit and $2.15 million carryover; the board approved the budget unanimously among members present.
The Barnes County North (BCN) school board approved the district's 2024–25 final budget and a property tax levy package at its Sept. 18 meeting, voting unanimously among members present to adopt a 70‑mill levy in the general fund, 12 miscellaneous mills and 5 mills for the building fund.
District finance staff told the board the budget projects an operating deficit of about $893,000 but observed roughly $2.15 million in carryover from prior years that will buffer the shortfall. The presentation noted several line‑item updates: capital equipment reclassifications, updated salaries and benefits (including extra sub pay for staff on leave), a $10,000 reduction in Title I funding from earlier expectations, and ESSER grants that the district reported as fully claimed; the presenter said the final small ESSER payment was approved recently (approximately $5,063, per the presenter's wording).
"Based on my estimate for property tax valuation, we would be able to levy the 70 mills in the general fund," the finance lead said during the presentation. The board then moved to adopt the budget and levy as recommended and approved the motion by roll call.
Board members said they will monitor the deficit and seek savings where feasible. The administration noted several potential offsets already identified: reduced out‑of‑district tuition costs for some CDE classes as more courses are offered in‑house, updated special‑education numbers, and capital reclassifications that shift expenditures among funds. The superintendent and business staff emphasized that the budget represents a starting point and that committees will continue to examine line items and monthly reports.
The board also reviewed food service budgeting separately and set a preliminary food service target to improve accountability and reduce waste; the food‑service discussion included plans for monthly reporting to the board and price‑comparison work. The board scheduled continued oversight of expenditures and asked administration to return with updates at future meetings.
The budget motion passed on roll call with the members present voting in favor; one board member was noted absent earlier in the meeting.
