Board reviews draft budget; staff flags rising electricity costs and built-in step increases

District finance staff reviewed the draft 2026 budget process with the board and highlighted utility cost pressures that could require adjustments before the tentative budget in May.

Staff explained the three-stage process (draft in January, tentative in May, working budget in September) and said the draft includes a 1% step increase for experience-based salary steps rather than across-the-board raises. They told the board that through period 6 (December) the district had "already spent almost $700,000 for electricity costs," and that the electricity line had been increased from $1,200,000 to $1,400,000 in the draft to reflect expected rate changes.

To absorb the higher utility projection, staff said contingency had been reduced in the draft to offset the cost and noted that if utility rates change again the board would revisit the budget in the working budget stage. The board was invited to participate in the budget committee meeting in May to review details.

Separately, Mr. Younts presented the monthly financial reconciliation and fund balances; the board moved and voted to approve the financial report and payment of claims.

No formal budget adoption occurred; the draft will proceed through the established budget schedule.