MASON CITY — The Mason City Community School District has scheduled a public hearing for early May to discuss a proposed amendment to its current fiscal year budget. The amendment would increase the district’s total expenditures for the 2025-2026 fiscal year by nearly $1 million, though officials emphasize that the change will result in no increase in taxes for local residents.
The public hearing is set for Monday, May 4, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.. It will be held at the Mason City Community School District Administration Building, located at 1515 S. Pennsylvania Ave..
According to the official notice, the proposed amendment would increase the total budget from approximately $66.6 million to $67.6 million. The vast majority of the additional spending—$793,247—is earmarked for “Instruction”. District officials attribute this jump to an increase in instructional spending fueled by various grants and AEA Special Education funding for the current year.
An additional $206,377 increase is proposed for “Total Support Services”. This portion of the amendment is intended to cover rising costs in support services, specifically including special transportation services. Other categories, including non-instructional programs and other expenditures, remain unchanged from the previously certified budget.
Key Budget Highlights:
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Public Hearing Date: May 4, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Administration Building.
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Tax Impact: There will be no increase in local taxes as a result of this amendment.
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Total Increase: The district is proposing an amendment increase of $999,624.
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Instructional Boost: $793,247 in additional funding for grants and special education.
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Support Services: $206,377 in additional funding for support and special transportation.
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New Total Budget: If approved, the total budget after amendment will be $67,599,272.
Residents and taxpayers are invited to attend the hearing to speak for or against the proposed changes. Detailed statements regarding receipts, cash balances, and disbursements will be available for review during the meeting. Residents should also note that budget amendments are subject to protest; if protest petition requirements are met, the State Appeal Board will hold a local hearing to review the matter.
For more information regarding the hearing or the budget details, the public can contact Cherie Yoder, Director of Finance/CFO, at (641) 450-5014.