Scobey board adopts 2025–26 budget, mills and operating reserves

The Scobey K-12 Schools board voted to adopt the district's fiscal 2025–26 budget, approve operating reserves and set mill levies as presented.

At a budget presentation, Staff member S2 told the board that a drop in taxable value reduced expected revenue and that the district had adjusted transportation and depreciation reserves to limit increases in the tax burden. S2 said, "If we put in $23,000, levy 23 additional thousand dollars, they would give us 90,000," describing a state matching program the district can use to leverage local levy dollars for capital work. Board member S3 moved to adopt the budgets and mills; the motion passed by voice vote.

The budget presentation itemized planned capital projects funded partly from the five-year building reserve: an elementary-school roof, commons-area bathrooms, junior-high locker-room repairs and replacement lockers, selective lock‑fob installations and window replacements. S2 said the board had deliberately reduced the transportation fund to avoid taxing for money not needed immediately and noted bus depreciation and replacement remain on future planning lists.

The board approved the budgets and operating reserves after members said they were comfortable with the proposed allocations and with leaving room for budget amendments if new needs arise.