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Milton-Freewater budget committee previews $26.4 million in revenues, outlines $22.9 million state allocation
Summary
District leaders presented a proposed 2026–27 spending plan driven by an estimated $22.9 million state allocation and $26.43 million in total revenues, urging conservative planning because state and federal numbers still could change.
At a budget committee meeting, district staff presented the preliminary 2026–27 budget and the state funding assumptions that underlie it. Denise Kelly, business manager for Milton‑Freewater Unified School District 7, said the packet shows the district anticipates nearly $4.5 million in local revenue and that the total initial revenue projection is $26,427,000.
Kelly said the district is building the 26–27 budget on an estimated state allocation driven by 1,931 weights in the current year and a projected 1,898 for 26–27, producing a state allocation figure staff described as roughly $22.9 million. "We are anticipated to receive almost $4.5 million in what's considered local revenue," Kelly said. Staff cautioned the committee that those figures are estimates subject to later truing‑up and reconciliation by the state.
The packet showed a beginning fund balance near $2.6 million and a target ending fund balance of about $1.5 million if current spending projections hold. Salaries remain the largest expenditure: the committee reviewed a projected $12.5 million for salary lines (the district reported it is currently spending about $12 million), with additional payroll and benefit pressures from health insurance and PERS rate increases.
Staff asked the budget committee for feedback and scheduled a continuation hearing to finalize budget decisions on May 18. The board is expected to adopt the budget in June after committee recommendations.
