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Southgate board approves amended FY25 budget, three ballot propositions and two playground projects
Summary
At a Jan. 28 meeting the Southgate Community School District Board of Education approved an amended FY25 general fund budget, authorized ballot language for a May 6 special election, and approved purchases to replace playground equipment at Allen Lower Elementary and a swing structure at Grogan Elementary.
The Southgate Community School District Board of Education on Jan. 28 approved an amended fiscal year 2025 general fund budget, finalized ballot language for a May 6 special election and authorized two playground purchases totaling up to $87,161.72.
The approvals came at a regularly scheduled board meeting in which board members voted unanimously on a consent agenda and on four separate action items after presentations and public comment closed.
Board members said the amended budget reflects a larger-than-expected enrollment increase and updated grant revenues, and the ballot propositions would renew and protect non-homestead operating millage revenue used for facilities, technology and security.
The amended FY25 budget presented by a district staff member lists a roughly 200-student enrollment increase as the primary revenue change, additional Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL) state funding, and higher-than-expected grant revenue. The presenter said the district had received about $75,000 so far from a Section 31a “mental health” allocation and is expecting over $400,000 from that grant. The budget also accounts for a special-education staffing increase paid from the general fund this year with reimbursement expected the following fiscal year. The district projects a general fund balance equal to 30.6 percent of prior-year expenditures.
Board members voted to approve the amended FY25 budget. Motion: Dr. Pomponio. Second: Mr. Green. Outcome: approved.
The board also approved submitting ballot language for three propositions to the State Treasury prequalification process and for placement on a May 6, 2025 special election ballot. According to the packet, the three propositions are: a non-homestead operating millage renewal (no tax rate increase) to continue facility upgrades and renovations (HVAC, baseball/softball/tennis facilities, restrooms, concession pavilion and maintenance building) and to maintain technology and security standards; a 10-year renewal of the district’s current non-homestead millage (current term 2015–2025); and a two-mill ‘‘hedge’’ to make up Headlee rollback-related revenue shortfalls so the district may collect the full 18 mills available for non-homestead operating purposes, without exceeding 18 mills. The board packet states the propositions will be submitted for final state approval.
Board members voted to approve the ballot language as presented. Motion: Dr. Pomponio. Second: Mr. Green. Outcome: approved.
On capital projects, the board approved purchasing Allen Lower Elementary’s new preschool/lower-elementary playground equipment from Great Lakes Recreation Company not to exceed $74,049.22 (an estimated base quote of $67,319.22 plus a contingency of $6,730). The district included renderings and a warranty summary in the packet; the presenter described the purchase as including demolition, installation and engineered wood-fiber surfacing. Motion: Dr. Pomponio. Second: Mr. Sage. Outcome: approved.
The board also approved a replacement swing structure for Grogan Elementary from Great Lakes Recreation Company not to exceed $13,112.50 (estimated $11,912.50 plus a $1,200 contingency). Staff said the project will remove an original bay of swings that is past its functional safe life and install a like-for-like four-swing configuration; the chosen vendor’s warranties were listed in the packet. Motion: Dr. Pomponio. Second: Miss Angel. Outcome: approved.
Votes at a glance: consent agenda (minutes of the Jan. 14 regular meeting and HR update) — approved (motion by Dr. Pomponio; second Mr. Green). Amended FY25 budget — approved (motion by Dr. Pomponio; second Mr. Green). Ballot language for May 6, 2025 special election (three propositions) — approved (motion by Dr. Pomponio; second Mr. Green). Allen Lower Elementary playground purchase (Great Lakes Recreation Company, not to exceed $74,049.22) — approved (motion by Dr. Pomponio; second Mr. Sage). Grogan swing replacement (Great Lakes Recreation Company, not to exceed $13,112.50) — approved (motion by Dr. Pomponio; second Miss Angel). The meeting was then adjourned (motion by Mr. Green; second Dr. Pomponio).
Next steps: the district will submit the propositions to the State Treasury for final approval and proceed with procurement and installation for the approved playground projects subject to the contingencies and timelines in vendor contracts. The budget’s special-education staffing costs will be reimbursed in the next fiscal year per the presenter’s explanation.
