Columbia school board to vote on next year’s budget

The Columbia School Board Monday night will vote on next year’s budget.

In its projection, the school district is expecting to take in more money.

The school district receives most of its money from property tax in town.

Budget director Linda Quinley assumed a 2.5% increase in the town’s property value for next year.

While the district plans to take in more money, Quinley has said before these are still difficult times financially for the district.

The district will open up Battle Elementary this fall, and two more schools the following year.

Wit that comes paying staff and utilities for the building.

In all, Quinley expects the district needs $5.7 million in new revenue to avoid deficit spending.

Quinley told ABC 17 News the district will need to start looking at significant budget cuts in the 2018 school year.