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Treasurer warns of five‑year shortfall as board approves financial statements, property purchase and contracts
Summary
Treasurer Julie Irwin presented a five‑year forecast showing a possible $9.5 million shortfall and outlined cost pressures including a projected 17.2% rise in benefits; the board approved April financial reports, a $65,000 purchase of 312 Dawson Lane and several service contracts and agreements.
Treasurer Julie Irwin presented the district's five-year forecast and told the New Philadelphia City School District Board of Education the district could end the forecast period with a potential gap of about $9.5 million if current assumptions hold.
Irwin highlighted several drivers: a projected roughly 17.2% increase in insurance benefits, personal services costs expected near $20 million for the year, and uncertain state funding tied to the Fair School Funding Plan. She described the forecast as dependent on state action and said the district is "crossing our fingers" that the state senate will preserve more funding; she said the November forecast had different phase-in assumptions.
On the same agenda the board approved routine financial items: the April 2025 financial statement, key indicator and cash flow reports, the check register and bank reconciliation; approval of a resolution to use a Huntington National Bank credit card (replacing First National Bank of Dennison for out-of-state travel reliability); the purchase of property at 312 Dawson Lane for $65,000 plus closing costs; a shared-use agreement with the Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities for bus-washing at 518 Church Street SW at $425 per month; and multiple service agreements and purchases listed on the agenda, including an $11,004.96 invoice for Wind Custom Courts and Gyms and a $26,015.93 scope-of-work agreement with Coorsen Fire and Security.
Irwin said the 5-year forecast shows a potential negative $9.5 million if current legislative assumptions do not change and that, if the state's Fair School Funding Plan were fully phased in, the forecast would look substantially different. The board voted on the approvals by roll call and the motion carried.
Board discussion included a clarification that Huntington's government card is intended to prevent travel-related payment issues and a brief explanation that the Dawson Lane property was offered at $65,000 by the seller, described in the meeting as a federal agent, while the county assessed value exceeded $80,000.
Irwin said the district will continue to monitor state action and may need to consider budget reductions or requests for new local revenue if the forecast remains on its current path.
