CLARKESVILLE — Habersham County school leaders opened the fiscal year 2027 budget process Thursday, but key revenue figures remain unknown as the district awaits final state and local funding data.
During the board’s first public hearing on the budget, Finance Director Staci Newsome said the district is still in the early stages of planning and does not yet have the information needed to present a full financial picture.
“We just don’t know any on the revenue side,” Newsome said.
At this stage, the proposed budget is based on supporting approximately 6,938 students and 1,112 employees, including 677 certified staff and 435 classified employees, along with 102 contracted workers who provide services such as occupational therapy, speech and substitute support.
Newsome said the district has not yet received its Quality Basic Education allotment sheet from the state, which determines how much funding it will receive.
“We don’t have our allotment sheet. We don’t have — we know our enrollment numbers, but we don’t know how that’s going to play out in our state funding,” she said.
Local revenue projections are also unclear. The district has not received updated tax digest information from the county and is still monitoring potential legislative impacts on school funding.
On the federal side, Newsome said the district has been told to expect a potential 10% reduction in funding, though no final numbers have been confirmed.
Costs expected to rise
While revenue remains uncertain, district officials say expenses are expected to increase.
Newsome said personnel costs will continue to make up about 92% of the budget, with operational costs accounting for the remaining 8%.
The district anticipates higher costs for employee benefits, including increases in health insurance contributions and employer retirement rates. At the same time, operational expenses such as fuel, utilities and software are projected to rise between 5% and 15%.
“Everything is expensive, and the school district is no different,” Newsome said.
She noted the district has seen some short-term relief after Gov. Brian Kemp suspended the state gas and diesel taxes, resulting in about $6,200 in savings since March 20.
Budget timeline
Newsome emphasized that the first public hearing is primarily informational due to the lack of finalized data.
“There’s just not enough information to share with you,” she said. “We really want to just give you a heads up what we know, and that’s about it.”
More detailed budget figures are expected during the second public hearing scheduled for May 7, when the district plans to present full revenue and expenditure breakdowns.
A third hearing will follow on May 11, with the proposed budget posted publicly by May 13. Final adoption is scheduled for June, when the board will also approve pay scales, job descriptions and fund allocations.
The district expects to set its millage rate later in the summer, with a vote currently scheduled for July 27.
Board member Robert Barron encouraged the public to stay engaged as more information becomes available.
“I appreciate because I think that even though the numbers are unknown, at least we’re trying to present it out there,” Barron said. “As the numbers start coming in, we would like for people to be present — questions, concerns.”
Newsome said the district’s process exceeds state requirements for public input, noting the state requires two public hearings, while Habersham County holds at least three, along with additional opportunities for public comment.
