Enterprise BOE holds first of two budget hearings

Combined with expected revenues of nearly $58 million, the school system is estimating to begin next year with a working budget of nearly $74 million.

According to Superintendent Aaron Milner, the board collects revenue from categories including governmental funds and fiduciary funds.

Governmental funds are collected from federal, state and local governments.

Fiduciary funds come from local school organizations such as booster clubs.  

Chief School Financial Officer Lara Dicus said the school system is anticipating $7.1 million from the federal government, $35.4 million from the state and nearly $13.8 million from the city.

According to Dicus, these estimates are 96 percent of the current year average and are calculated to be a little less than the system should actually receive.

“What I do is I take the funds we have now and expenses we’re going to have and come up with what I think is a reasonable estimate,” Dicus said. “They are a little bit on the low side, but I still think they’re a fair representation.”

In addition to $13 million in property tax revenue, ECS is also predicting to receive $3 million in district sales tax through the city of Enterprise.

School officials are expecting about $58 million in expenditures in the next fiscal year.

Salaries for instructional services — which include teachers, coaches and clerical aids — make up $29 million of the budget.

Salaries of instructional support staff, administrators and guidance counselors will account for $8 million of the budget.  

Maintenance staff and auxiliary service salaries are planned to account for a combined $11 million.  

Milner said general administration services would come at a cost of about $2 million and capital outlay expenses are estimated at approximately $2 million.

The school system is expecting an ending balance of about $16 million when the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, 2013.

“I’m proud to say at this time, that this school system is in sound financial condition and will continue to work better in that regard,” Milner said. “I want to stress to everyone that the budget is a plan. However, we attempt to adhere to that plan and feel this practice has led to a demonstration of fiscal responsibility.”

The Enterprise Board of Education will have its second budget hearing at 6 p.m., July 31, at the system’s central office. A working session will take place prior to the hearing at 5 p.m.