No tax increase expected for Highlands residents

Despite a dip in real estate revenues and an increase in district salaries and benefit costs, Highlands School Board is proposing a 2025-26 budget that holds the property tax rate steady.

The board on Monday approved a tentative $54.5 million spending plan that maintains the 25.13 millage rate.

If approved, the owner of a home assessed at $100,000 would again pay $2,513.

A final vote is scheduled during the board’s meeting June 16.

Director of Business Affairs Paul Paradise gave an overview on May 12 that sees next year’s projected revenue at about $52.3 million.

The district is expected to use about $2.1 million of its fund balance to hold taxes steady.

The district expects to bring in about $21.9 million in local revenue, down slightly from $22 million this year — and nearly 8% below the $23.7 million in 2023-24.

Expenses for salaries and benefits comprise 65% of the budget, at a total of $35.3 million – up nearly $2 million from this year.

While district enrollment is at about 2,035 students, compared to about 2,395 students in 2020, the cost per student has risen significantly.

Per-pupil expenses are $26,075 compared to $17,754 in 2020, district officials said.

Other expenses include $18 million for support services and $235,000 for facilities construction.

Residents can look forward to about $377,000 in capital projects. Highlights include $225,000 for lighting and audio systems in the high school auditorium; nearly $22,000 for balcony carpeting at the elementary school; and $10,000 for office restructuring in the administrative wing at the high school.

The budget also calls for spending $100,000 on a storage unit if the former Fawn Elementary building sells. The district is seeking bids on the Ridge Road building.

People can view the proposed budget at the administrative center beginning May 26.