CFO presents proposed 2026–27 balanced budget, keeps tax rates unchanged

CFO Mr. Obozoff presented the district's proposed 2026–27 budgets and tax-rate assumptions at the joint workshop, describing the district's method for computing MNO (maintenance & operations), INS (interest & sinking) and the maximum compressed rate (MCR). The presentation recommended maintaining the INS tax rate at 21.52 pennies and a total proposed tax rate of 1.0021.

Mr. Obozoff described three proposed budgets: a balanced general fund at approximately $45.5 million in revenues and expenditures, a debt service fund projecting about $9.72 million in revenues and $9.8 million in expenditures, and a food-service fund projected to receive about $2.82 million and spend roughly $3.0 million (using an estimated $226,000 of fund balance with an ending balance near $52,000). He estimated total projected ending fund balances across funds of about $11.93 million and noted a planned bond refunding line of approximately $3.1 million reflected in debt-service projections.

The CFO reviewed the required taxpayer-impact statement: for an example median homestead value (tax year '25) the illustrative tax bill was $1,358; using certified 2026 appraisal values the example tax bill cited was lower. Mr. Obozoff reiterated the statutory calendar (final budget adoption Aug. 24 and fiscal year beginning Sept. 1) and said staff will circulate follow-up details requested by trustees and councilmembers.

"Our general fund is balanced at approximately 45.5 million," Mr. Obozoff said, listing principal assumptions including a conservative attendance-based ADA projection and limited staff pay increases (step increases for teachers only). Trustees asked for additional line‑item detail on miscellaneous local revenues, security-service expenses and staffing adjustments; the CFO committed to provide follow-up documentation by email.