FY27 budget adopted with a deficit after a $1.9 million cut in state aid

What happened

On July 23, 2026 the Montgomery County Board of Education adopted the FY27 budget, 5-0. The superintendent told both public hearings that, because of current property assessments in the county, the district lost $1,940,312 in state equalization and 5-mill share money, which leaves the FY27 budget $771,641 in deficit. She called the equalization cut one of the largest in the state. No one from the public spoke at either hearing.

Why it matters to families

Equalization money goes to Georgia districts whose local tax base is small. A $1.9 million loss is large for a district whose general fund is about $12.5 million. A deficit budget draws down reserves, and the millage rate the board set on October 2 decides how much local taxpayers make up. In August the district had to ask for an extension on the millage rate because the tax digest had not arrived.

The evidence

July 16 and July 23, 2026 public hearing minutes: loss of $1,940,312 and a $771,641 deficit. July 23 called-meeting minutes: FY27 budget adopted 5-0 (these minutes print the deficit as $171,641). FY27 approved budget: about $12.48M general fund out of about $17.78M total revenue. August 13 work session minutes: millage-rate extension requested. October 2 called meeting agenda: approve the millage rate.

The source