No Property Tax Hike As Iron County Schools Finalize Budget

While students and teachers may be enjoying summer break, the work is far from over at the Iron County School District. Behind the scenes, district administrators are busy closing out one fiscal year while preparing for the next, a process that culminates with the adoption of the district’s annual budget.

Todd Hess, business administrator for the Iron County School District, discussed the budget process during a recent appearance on the Big Picture Morning Show on KSUB radio. Hess explained that the district’s fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30, making summer one of the busiest times of the year for the business office.

“We actually get busier in the summer sometimes than we are during the rest of the school year,” Hess said.

State And Federal Grants Have Significant Role In The Budget

A significant portion of the district’s work involves managing state and federal grants, which come with specific spending requirements and extensive reporting obligations. Hess noted that many federal funds, particularly those designated for special education services, must be used for students who qualify for individualized education plans and related programs.

The district is currently preparing a proposed budget that will be considered by the Iron County Board of Education on June 16. Hess said this year’s process has been aided by a 4 percent increase in basic state funding approved by the Utah Legislature and by the fact that the district is not proposing a property tax increase.

“I feel good about the fact that we’re not proposing a property tax increase,” Hess said. “We realize that inflation is affecting everyone in town. It affects our employees. It affects property owners. It affects other businesses.”

Like most school districts, personnel costs make up the largest share of spending. Hess said salaries and benefits account for approximately 80 percent of the district’s general fund budget. Construction projects also remain a major expense, with about $36 million budgeted this year for construction and large equipment purchases. Many of those projects stem from a voter-approved bond passed in 2021, while others are financed through lease revenue bonds and regular district funding.

Hess emphasized that every part of the budget supports student learning, whether through teachers, transportation, food services, custodial staff, or building security. “It really is a joint effort all the way around to make sure that we’re educating kids,” he said.

The district is also in a strong position when it comes to staffing. Hess reported a retention rate between 90 and 95 percent, among the highest in Utah, and said the district continues to attract qualified applicants for open positions.

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Residents interested in reviewing the proposed budget can find it on the district’s website, along with budget documents from previous years. Printed copies are also available through the district office.

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You can hear the entire interview with Todd Hess in the podcast below.