Budget panel approves $12.3 million plan, sets 3.855 tax rate and $347,000 levy

The budget committee approved a $12.306 million tentative budget for the coming fiscal year, set a tax rate of 3.855 per $1,000 of assessed value and approved a $347,000 levy for general obligation bond debt service, the committee chair announced after the motion carried.

The presenter said the district must adopt a budget by June 30 despite unresolved state and federal revenue estimates, adding, “we're gonna have to adopt a budget before they know anything, and then we'll have to have supplemental budget meetings in the fall once we know what our numbers are gonna be.” That uncertainty, the presenter said, stems from provisional state school-fund estimates and shifting federal grant commitments that affect roughly 70% of the district’s general operating revenue.

Why it matters: approving a tentative budget on time lets the district meet county filing deadlines while preserving the option to adjust the plan later. Committee members pressed staff for clarifications about grant-funded positions, capital needs and one-time items as they weighed adopting a conservative budget that preserves a multi-million-dollar carryover.

The presenter summarized key figures and tradeoffs: the proposed general fund and other funds total about $12.306 million; the district expects to save roughly $100,000 by changing how an agricultural teacher position is funded (moving some costs into a grant-funded line and eliminating a half-time classroom position estimated around $72,000); and previously available supply-chain assistance (SCA) funding of roughly $115,000–$150,000 will not recur.

Committee members discussed capital priorities, including bus lease/purchase decisions and a deteriorated track that committee members estimated could cost roughly $700,000–$750,000 to resurface. The presenter noted the district has one bus paid off, is repurposing an older non-route bus for activities to delay a new purchase and continues to evaluate timing in light of changing vehicle procurement timelines.

On debt service and county tax billing, the presenter said an administrative error in the county billing process left the district short in the prior year; to remedy that and anticipated delinquencies, the budget includes a $347,000 ask to the county for bond debt service. The presenter cautioned the committee that some expected timber-related revenue reverted under an older statutory formula and could be far lower than previously projected.

Motion and vote: a committee member moved to approve the budget and levy as presented; the chair seconded. The chair announced, “Motion carries.” The transcript does not record individual roll-call votes or counts.

What’s next: committee members agreed to reconvene for a supplemental meeting in August or September if clearer state or federal revenue figures arrive. The presenter offered to walk any members through packet pages to explain line items in greater detail.

Sources: statements and figures are taken from the committee’s budget presentation and discussion during the public meeting.