Resources will help with schools’ growth
HUTTO — Hutto Independent School District trustees have approved a $134.5 million balanced budget, the first in six years.
School board members also expressed relief the district avoided a deficit budget, which has been running at $3.5 million to $4.5 million for the last few years, and the same was expected with this cycle.
However, through extensive budget cuts and hikes in commercial and multifamily property tax revenue, Hutto ISD was able to cover the shortfall, officials said during the June 25 school board meeting.
During the session, Director of Finance Ryan Robison proposed the district keep its tax rate at 45 cents on the dollar, “which has been consistent year over year, not raising that (amount),” Robison said.
If property tax revenue turns out to be drastically different from the numbers expected, Robison said, “We may have a different conversation, but as of now, this is where we stand.”
Rates based on appraisals will be released by the county later this summer.
One trustee wanted to know about the formula for success.
“What things did we say ‘no’ to in order to say ‘yes’ to a balanced budget?” said trustee April Adams.
Robison said it was not necessarily saying “no” to new things but saying “no” to increases in other areas.
Hutto ISD’s budget includes continued funding for the state’s teacher incentive allotment and similar programs and a rise in its healthcare contributions from $470 a month to $500. Superintendent Jeni Neatherlin added, “We want to do everything we can this year to put back revenue and contribute to the fund balance as opposed to taking from it.”
Adams noted nearby districts are closing school campuses, but Hutto is building schools because of its bond funding.
“What things does having a balanced budget give us the ability to say ‘ yes’ to?” Adams said.
Robison said curtailing spending and balancing the budget this year “gives us a little room next year” with the opening of the new Creekside High School campus.
“It’s a very expensive endeavor, and we felt saving money this year would help us next year,” Robison said.
Hutto ISD is also building additions to Farley and Hutto middle schools to accommodate rapid growth.
The complete 202627 adopted budget summary is available for public view at www.hipponation.org/ required-notifications/ adopted- budget- summary- 2026-2027.
School board meetings are held in the Administration Building Board Room at 200 College St.
The next meeting is July 23. The open session is 7 p.m. after the board’s closed session at 6 p.m.
Meetings can be streamed live or watched at a later date at huttoisdtx.new. swagit.com/videos.
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“We felt saving money this year would help us next year.”
— Ryan Robison, Hutto ISD
