By Betsi Werling with Paula Scott

The Board of Education has approved the Bluffton Exempted Village Schools budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 as requested by the Allen County Budget Commission in February. In a financial forecast provided to the State of Ohio, the district has estimated that expenditures will exceed revenues during Fiscal Years 2027-2029.

At its March 16 meeting, the School Board approved the budget as well as the amounts and rates resolution generated by the Allen County Auditor. The budget process is new. Previously, the district’s five-year forecast provided the district’s budget. 

The budget now includes additional funds beyond the General Fund, such as Bond retirements and property tax-related funds. For the Bluffton school district, these items are the General Fund and the Bluffton Public Library bond. (Schedules attached.) Permanent improvement funds come from income tax revenues. A 0.5% income tax has been renewed through 2028.

Currently, homes and businesses in the Bluffton school district pay a 22.8 mill tax rate. This is 2.8 mills more than the lowest amount allowed, which is called the 20-mill floor. This minimum property tax rate is required to receive state funding.

Superintendent Greg Denecker notes, “the budget and forecast may look like we will be in the red for future years, but that is due to being very conservative on the revenue side, especially. 

“The budget and the forecast is something that we are required to submit, but the bottom line is how we end up in the red or black at the end of the fiscal year. We have finished in the black almost every year for about 25 years. 

“Our effective millage rate of 22.8 and a .5% income tax are among the lowest in the area.

“We spend $5,000 less per pupil than the state average, and our academic achievement performance index ranks in the top 8% almost every year. This is accomplished through the combination of great parents, students and the community–along with a fantastic staff dedicated to our students.”

For FY 2026-2027, Bluffton Schools estimated the following revenues and expenditures:

FINANCIAL FORECAST

In February, Bluffton Schools Treasurer Paula Parrish presented an updated Financial Forecast for fiscal years 2026-2029 to the Bluffton Board of Education. The district estimates that expenditures will exceed revenues and other financing during fiscal years 2026-2029.

The report provides information on funding, expenditures and fund balances. Financial forecasts are required twice a year by the State of Ohio.

See the full report submission at https://reports.education.ohio.gov/report/finance-forecast-submissions

The February 24 report includes forecast assumptions, provided at https://public.education.ohio.gov/geoDoc/5-yrForecast/FY26%20(2026P2FEB)%20-%20Required%20Update/Bluffton_045211/Bluffton_045211_FEBAssumptionsFY26.pdf