Approving budgets and tax rates is one of the most important functions of our school board. On Monday June 15, the Board will approve the 2015-16 budget and the tax rates that go with it.
Although the expense budget is set, there has been a lively debate about the millage rates needed to fund that budget. At our June 8 school board working session, several community members expressed their opinions about tax rates, and many board members also offered their views.
Below are the remarks I offered at the work session:
On the Budget, I think it is critical that we manage our finances for the long-term, and that we maintain our historically conservative approach to financial matters. We have a strong credit rating, which reflects our history of careful decision making, efficient operations, and respect for our taxpayers. The expense side of our 2015-2016 budget is set, and I think we have a responsible expense budget. Our programs are fully funded. There are no cuts to programs, no changes to class sizes, no investments needed that have been turned down.
Where we do have a decision to make is in how we raise the revenue to cover those expenses.
