By Harlan Kirgan
Editor
The St. Landry Parish school Board’s budget is forecast to end the year on target and possibly with a surplus.
Tressa Miller, finance director, told the Board’s Finance Committee on June 26, “We are still projecting a break even or better budget.”
The school district budget year ended in June.
As of the end of May the district had a general fund surplus of $3.8 million. The budget projected a $1.4 million loss.
General fund revenues totaled $97.2 million and other sources of revenue were $11.2 million.
Expenses were $114.4 million
While revenues were $5.9 million less than expenses, the system’s balanced sheet was boosted by $9.8 million in federal money for school lunches and federal salaries.
In a report on revenue for the 2017-2018 budget year beginning this month, local funding is expected to decrease by 2 percent from $26.8 million.
A 3.3 percent decrease in state revenue is forecast from $77.7 million.
Total revenue is projected to decrease 3.2 percent this fiscal year to $101.3 million.
In the just passed fiscal year, one area of savings was utility costs, which at the end of May totaled $2.3 million compared to a budget of $3 million.
The 2017-2018 budget is to adopted at the Aug. 3 Board meeting. Hearings are planned July 29 and Aug. 3.
The Board is to consider additional cost-saving measures for its utility bill by possibly enlarging the scope of service by Star Service Inc.
Greg Ortego, an engineer with Star Service,was given the green light to present a plan for energy-saving at Opelousas High School, Opelousas Junior High School, Eunice Junior High School, Lawtell Elementary, Port Barre High, North Central High and Krotz Springs Elementary.
Star Service has been conducting a pilot energy-saving program at Eunice , Northwest and Beau Chene high schools.
In a handout to the Buildings, Lands and Sites Committee, Ortego stated the savings totaled $160,191 in 10 months. That included $88,144 in new equipment purchased by Star.
For the seven schools Star Service proposes adding to the program, costs are to lowered by $337,893.
The Executive Committee is recommending the Board hold a retreat from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 29 to discuss the general fund budget.
School Board learns budget is on target
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