Pierce County Schools operating budget will increase by $2 million next year, but the good news is no millage rate increase is anticipated.
Finance director Melanie Helms presented the board with a first draft of the proposed 2024 budget at the Board of Education’s work session April 11.
The proposal anticipates $36 million in revenues and expenditures, up from $34 million this year.
Helms said she did not anticipate a millage rate increase this year.
She reported the state will provide much of the increase for the budget to pay for Brian Kemp’s $2,000 across the board pay raise for teachers. The state will also provide the funds to pay for increases in the state health benefit plan.
Kemp had made teacher pay raises as a campaign promise in both of his elections for governor.
There will also be supplement increases for bus drivers, school nuturiton and custodial employees
Helms said an increase in state funding and better overall local tax revenues, plus an anticipated revaluation will help to generate more funds.
The budget will be finalized and voted on in June.
