Ross Valley School District faces $1.4M deficit and proposed tax increase

The Fairfax Town Council convened on April 2, 2025, to address several pressing issues, including budgetary concerns and financial transparency. The meeting began with public comments focusing on the Ross Valley School Department's budget, which has raised significant concerns among residents.

A speaker highlighted that the school department's budget totals $31 million, with an operational deficit of $1.4 million. The proposed tax increase of 52 cents per square foot is intended to generate approximately $3 million annually. However, the speaker argued that this tax would not solely benefit teachers, as advertised, but would also cover pre-allocated funds for administrative staff, raising questions about the allocation of resources.

Following this, Deborah Benson, a resident of Cascade Drive, expressed her frustration regarding the council's approval of consent calendars that reportedly omitted nearly $941,000 in credit card expenditures. She emphasized the need for transparency in financial reporting, citing concerns over potential misuse of funds for travel, meals, and other expenses. Benson urged the council to address these issues more thoroughly in future meetings.

In response to Benson's comments, a council member acknowledged the importance of discussing credit card expenses during the upcoming budget meeting scheduled for April 18. The council confirmed that while detailed credit card information is not required, it has been included in previous packets as a courtesy to address resident concerns.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to enhance financial transparency and address the budgetary issues raised by the community. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges faced by local government in balancing budgets while ensuring accountability to residents.