Big Spring board sets 3.5% tax ceiling as district proposes $67.11 million budget

The Board of School Directors voted 5–4 on May 4 to designate a proposed final 2026 budget that would raise the districts real-estate millage to 16.8585 — a 3.5% ceiling — and sets recommended expenditures at $67,110,743.

At the board presentation, the chair said, "The administration is recommending a budget of $67,110,743 in expenditures." The administration estimated general-fund revenues under the 3.5% scenario at $67,074,578 and identified a $36,165 shortfall to be covered from unassigned fund balances; board members were told those numbers could be adjusted ahead of the final vote.

Board members and members of the public spent more than an hour debating alternatives. Supporters of the proposal argued modest increases would protect buildings and services and reduce the risk of steeper hikes later; opponents pressed for spending cuts and external reviews. As the chair announced the outcome, the board recorded the tally and stated that the approved ceiling could be lowered but not raised before final adoption on June 8.

The board said it would make the proposed final budget available for public inspection and scheduled additional finance presentations before the June meeting so residents can review the documentation and submit questions.