Board approves placing supplemental levy increase on May ballot to preserve programs

An agency official for the Bonneville Joint District told the board the district is facing roughly “a $6,000,000 deficit” and has been drawing down its fund balance, which fell by about $4,000,000 last year and is on track to be reduced another $5.5–$6,000,000 this year.

“We built up a very healthy savings account,” the agency official said, adding that one-time federal and state funding changes and a return to attendance-based funding have left the district with less recurring revenue. The official said about 90% of the district’s budget is salaries and benefits, so meeting the gap requires cutting positions or benefits.

To avoid immediate position cuts and preserve programs, the official proposed asking voters to approve a supplemental levy that would increase the district’s current levy from $5,800,000 to $9,620,000. “We’re not asking to put a full $6.5 million budget fix on our taxpayers,” the official said, framing the measure as targeted to keep specific programs in place.

Board members and one speaker who described attending school performances urged support for the programs named in the proposal. “I think there are 130 students on the stage at one moment,” a committee member said of the Hillcrest High School orchestra, urging preservation of music programs. Another board member noted the district has not increased the levy since 2017.

The proposal highlights programs the district says would be protected by the levy, including gifted-and-talented services, music and physical-education offerings, a student well‑being program and all‑day kindergarten, which one speaker said is producing measurable literacy gains.

During discussion, the agency official noted the district received bond‑related tax relief two years ago when the state paid down bonds “to the tune of right on $11,000,000,” and said the proposed levy increase would still be less than that prior relief when compared across years. The official also acknowledged the levy would increase what taxpayers pay this coming year compared with last year.

Committee member S2 moved to approve the supplemental‑levy resolution for the May 19, 2026 election. The chair announced the motion as moved by “Mister Jenkins” and seconded by “Missus Clayton.” The board voted in favor; the chair declared the motion carried.

The board approved placing the supplemental levy question before voters; no formal budget cuts were enacted at the meeting. The resolution language was substituted as discussed on the record to clarify ballot wording.