Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Adoption topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board adopts amended 2026–27 budget after $1.3M state reconciliation; one dissent
Summary
Finance staff reported a one-time $1.3 million state reconciliation. The board ratified the amended 2026–27 budget ($285,464,164) and related appropriations and tax levies; votes on the budget and appropriations were 6–1 with Director Heather Coleman-Cox opposed.
District finance director Pete Bejarano told trustees that the state reconciliation process (“the May surprise”) has provided an additional $1.3 million in one-time funds and recommended the board adopt an amended budget to appropriate the amount to instruction. "ODE shows that Gresham-Barlow will receive an additional $1.3 million," he said.
Trustees discussed three options: adopt the budget as approved by the budget committee; adopt an amended budget that appropriates the $1.3 million to instruction; or a hybrid approach that preserves contingency and allows later transfers. Board members repeatedly cautioned that one-time funds should not be used to fund ongoing expenses and emphasized the district’s structural pressures — declining enrollment, PERS, and special education costs.
The board ratified Resolution 2027-01b to adopt the amended 2026–27 budget in the amount of $285,464,164 with a 6–1 vote (Motion 90). The board then ratified Resolution 2027-02 to appropriate funds for the fiscal year (Motion 91) by the same margin. The board also ratified Resolution 2027-03 to impose taxes at the permanent rate of $4.5268 per $1,000 and a bonded debt levy totaling $24,297,818 for the 2026–27 tax year; that motion carried unanimously (Motion 92). Heather Coleman-Cox cast the sole dissent on the two appropriations motions.
Chair Petersen said the administration will adjust monthly financial reporting for clarity and the board directed follow-up reporting so trustees can monitor contingency use throughout the year.
