School budget forecast reaction cautious

The financial outlook appears increasingly uncertain for Baldwin County Public Schools, as thousands of property tax appeals remain unresolved.

Finance chief Jean McCutchen told board members last month that she’s “relatively comfortable we will make budget” — a subtle but significant change from earlier statements that indicated the school system would likely finish the fiscal year with a small surplus.

“A lot of people are having their tax bills cut in half,” she said during the May 22 work session, referring to residents’ ongoing property tax appeals.

Budget forecast reaction cautious