HCS approves working budget, includes staff raises

Hardin County Schools expects a larger general fund, and staff will receive cost-of-living raises this school year.

The district’s working budget was approved by the HCS board Thursday night. The general fund increased from projections of the tentative budget approved in May.

The general fund is budgeted at $101.8 million, up from the tentative budget’s projection of about $95.6 million. Projected revenue from local taxes increased from one version of the budget to the next.

Local taxes came in this year at $22.1 million, and SEEK money is budgeted for about $55 million. The discussion paper the board considered Thursday stated district officials expected another reduction in the money late in the year.

The tentative budget didn’t include raises for staff, but the board decided to add them after that version of the budget had been approved. Staff will receive an experience-based step increase as well a 1 percent cost-of-living raise.

Instructional staff salaries expenses are slightly up from the tentative budget, from $46.9 million to $47.2 million.

Capital outlay and building funds remained the same compared to the last version of the budget, while the food service fund budget has increased in revenue the last version. The capital outlay fund is set for $1.8 million and the building fund is budgeted for $12.2 million. Food service is projected to have an $8.3 million budget.

The budget was approved unanimously by the board, with member Charlie Wise absent. There was no discussion before the vote.

Kelly Cantrall can be reached at (270) 505-1747 or kcantrall@thenewsenterprise.com.