Finance staff reports district ahead of projections; millage range and out-of-state tuition discussed

Paul, a district finance staff member, presented the May financial report and said the district’s revenues are well ahead of projections, noting, “We’re up in 2,600,000 year over year.”

Paul told the board that collections were nearly 95% complete through May 31 and that Medicaid-related revenues were still expected in June or July. He said expenses are higher than last year (about $2.5 million) but remain below the revised budget forecast and that timing issues (including duplicate benefit payments) temporarily reduced cash on hand; he summarized the district’s current operating surplus at roughly $38,000.

Why it matters: Paul framed the picture as cautious but improving, saying one-time timing issues and the recent land purchase affected the cash position even as operating performance beat budgeted expectations.

On tax and bond timing, Paul said most property-tax receipts come later in the year and that the district has already covered an interest payment due in September; he projected roughly $1 million will be needed for a March payment and expects December–January bond receipts to cover that amount. He reported the district’s gross digest rose about $100 million (about 19%) while exemptions increased about $60 million (about 80%), a change he attributed in part to a legislative item referenced in the meeting as “House Bill 581.”

Paul urged caution on millage planning because final digest numbers were not yet certified: “They are sending out notices Tuesday, and then they have 45 days to appeal,” he said, noting that the board’s budget assumptions could be affected if the rollback calculation reduces available revenue. He described a desirable millage range in conservative terms (approximately 12.9–13.1 mills) but emphasized the numbers remain provisional until post-notice appeals are resolved.

On tuition, Paul presented a staff calculation showing the locally financed per-student cost at just over $4,500 and said the board could vote to raise out-of-state tuition from $4,000 to $4,500; he added that only two or three out-of-state students would be affected and estimated the fiscal impact would be small.

The reporting did not include a formal vote on tuition at this meeting. The board adopted consent business earlier in the session and moved on to other agenda items.

What’s next: Paul indicated the board will receive finalized digest and rollback figures after the tax notices and the 45-day appeal window, which will inform any millage decision the board may take later.