Jefferson County reports $10.9M unassigned fund balance, approves multiple budget amendments

District finance staff told the board the district closed books early and reported an unassigned general-fund balance of approximately $10.9 million as of July, after an end-of-year rollover of roughly $9 million. Officials said local option sales tax exceeded budget by about $2 million and diesel fuel savings were nearly $250,000, among other items that contributed to the rollover.

The board approved a sequence of budget amendments and reserve transfers across general, federal and capital funds. Staff said some amendments were alignment items to match awarded grants and to reflect reserve uses already committed (for example, a grant-funded position and Talbot property closing). The board approved a general-fund amendment that included using $230,111 of fund balance tied to the innovative schools grant alignment and a package of items moving reserves into budgeted expenditures.

One notable item approved at the meeting was a proposal to set aside funds in reserves to increase the district's employer contribution toward employees' health insurance plan options (premier/standard/limited). Staff said the change was intended to reduce employee premiums or enable more employees to take family coverage during open enrollment; the change would take effect in December, aligning with open enrollment and premium payment timing. Staff proposed earmarking reserve funds now and moving expenditures when enrollment choices are finalized.

Finance staff said most amendments were routine realignments of budgeted revenue and expenditures with grant awards or expected project costs; the board approved the amendments by roll-call/voice vote as listed in the meeting packet. Finance staff noted the presented figures were unaudited and subject to adjustment during the upcoming audit.