Budget Forms for the Upcoming Fiscal Year

Budget forms for the upcoming fiscal year are typically published shortly after the state budget passes to incorporate any changes in state law. Since the FY 2027 state budget has not yet passed, School Finance and the Auditor General's Office are planning to publish preliminary budget forms to allow districts and charters to plan budget preparation processes and governing board meetings.

The Auditor General's Office expects to publish preliminary budget forms for use in budget proposal and adoption by Friday May 22nd if the State budget has not passed and does not appear likely to pass the following week. It is recommended to revise budgets in early FY 2027 to incorporate changes in State law. Please note that preliminary budget forms will account for an annual inflation change of 2.00% in the Base Level Amount (BLA), but will not anticipate any other changes to State law. Districts in which the qualifying levy is greater than the equalization base (non-state-aid districts) in particular, should be aware of the impact of preliminary forms on the budget and discuss property tax rate considerations with counties if preliminary budget forms are used with revisions expected. We will provide a timeframe for final budget form issuance once final changes in State law are known.

If the State budget passes before May 22nd, or appears likely to pass the following week, the Auditor General’s Office will not publish preliminary forms and will instead publish the final budget forms as soon as possible after the budget passes. The final forms will account for all changes in State law, and it may not be necessary to revise the budget in early FY 2027.

As a reminder, if the preliminary budget forms are utilized for the proposed budget, then the preliminary budget forms must also be utilized for the adopted budget. A district must not propose their budget using the preliminary forms then adopt their budget using the final forms.

School Finance will continue to provide updates via Hot Topic when more information is available.

Thank you!