Mifflin County board moves $106M budget toward final vote

BY BRIAN CARSON

LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County School Board approved a $106,062,122 proposed final general fund budget Thursday, moving the district toward a June 25 final vote that could include a property tax increase.

The proposed budget does not set the final tax rate. District officials said the board is expected to consider several millage options June 25, including keeping the current rate of 34.5215 mills or raising it to 35.0215, 35.5215 or 36.1785 mills.

Superintendent Vance Varner said the vote was procedural and allowed the district to keep the budget process moving while meeting the required 30-day posting window before final adoption.

The decision comes as the district weighs how to close its budget gap without leaning too heavily on reserves, raising taxes too sharply, or reviving cuts that drew strong public reaction earlier in the week. Several residents and staff members spoke about district finances, class sizes, staffing, student programs, and the future of the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology.

The vote followed an unusual delay. The board initially had four votes in favor of the proposed final budget, but officials determined five votes were required for approval.

With two board members absent at the time, the board recessed. After the board reconvened, Mark Baker made a motion to reopen the vote. The board then voted again and approved the proposed final budget 8-1, with Zeb Harshbarger casting the lone no vote.

Treasurer Melinda Kenepp said the current year is expected to end with a surplus, though some bills, including charter school costs, can continue arriving after the fiscal year ends. Baker asked whether the district expected to finish the current year with money left, break even, or fall behind.

Kenepp said the district expects a surplus, but final numbers will take time because the business office continues closing out expenses tied to the year ending June 30.

The impact on taxpayers will become clearer next month. If the board keeps the tax rate at 34.5215 mills, the district could have to rely more heavily on reserves or other changes. If the board raises the rate, property owners would see a higher school tax bill, with the size depending on the option chosen on June 25.

Public comment focused heavily on the budget process. One speaker supported a balanced approach that would include a moderate millage increase and responsible use of the district’s fund balance, saying holding taxes flat would only postpone the problem.

Another speaker criticized the earlier discussion of possible cuts to teachers and student resources, saying even ideas placed on the table can create concern when past proposals have led to staffing reductions.

Several speakers also urged the board to consider the Academy’s long-term needs. One student said the Academy helped keep him connected to school and asked the board to keep the school in mind during budget planning.

Another speaker said the board should treat the Academy as a major planning priority, citing $3 million already set aside and the possibility of additional matching money.

The board also reviewed several other district operations items. One item would authorize the director of buildings and grounds to review bids and award a paving project to the lowest responsible bidder within the approved budget. Bids are due June 1 at 2 p.m. and will be reported to the board after they are received.

Board members also discussed administrative contract-signing authority for the 2026-27 school year. The proposal would give Varner authority to sign contracts up to $100,000; Director of Buildings and Grounds Tom White authority up to $50,000 alone or up to $100,000 with a second signature from the superintendent; and the incoming athletic director authority up to $5,000.

Other administrators would have authority related to student placements, software, e-rate submissions, instructional programs, professional development, and other services.

The board also considered the Academy’s 2026-27 general fund budget of $4,106,032. Kenepp said changes to the Academy budget would save the district about $19,000 compared with the amount currently included in the district’s proposed final budget.

Varner said Juniata County also pays a share of the Academy budget, with the split usually around 70-30.

The board is scheduled to vote on the final budget on June 25.