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Hermiston SD 8 trustees review July financials; district on track to reach 10% reserve target
Summary
At a Sept. 22 special meeting the Hermiston School Board heard a July financial report showing a projected $84.8 million in revenue, a beginning fund balance of about $11.4 million and a plan to draw reserves toward the board—s 10% target through one-time spending and transfers.
Hermiston School Board members on Sept. 22 received the district—s July board financial report, which projects $84.8 million in total revenue for the 2025–26 fiscal year and shows the district managing down an elevated fund balance toward a 10% policy target.
The presentation, given by the business office, said property tax receipts recorded in July reflect collections made in June, that the state made two state school fund payments in July under its accounting schedule, and that the district forecasted total revenue slightly above the district—s budget document figure of $84.6 million.
The board was shown a beginning general fund balance of about $11.4 million, down from a $13.9 million starting balance the prior year. The business office projected the district would close the year near the 10% target; the presentation characterized the projected ending fund balance as about 9.6% (reported as $9.6 million). Auditors were on site and the presenter noted routine year‑end adjustments are expected.
Why it matters: board members said the district deliberately budgeted to spend down the larger reserves accumulated during and after the COVID years. One trustee summarized the net movement this year as roughly $2 million less in the starting account, $2 million more in expenses and about $4 million more in revenue, which the trustee said largely offsets one another while reducing the ending fund balance.
Board questions and staff responses explained that transfers from special revenue funds and targeted one‑time projects are part of the plan to reach the policy target. The presentation listed recent one‑time work paid from reserves, including roof work at Hermiston High School, and emphasized the district uses larger reserves for planned maintenance and capital work rather than ongoing payroll commitments.
Payroll and accounts payable for July tracked near projections, the business office said. The presenter noted a timing delay that caused some bank interest and fee deposits to appear doubled across July and August entries; staff said they would correct deposit timing going forward.
Procedural action: the board adopted the meeting agenda early in the session by motion. The motion—"I move that the board adopt the agenda as proposed." was made, seconded and approved by voice/hand; no roll‑call tally was entered on the record.
The board did not take any additional binding financial actions at the session. Staff said the finance committee will resume review of August reports prior to the October regular meeting.
Speakers quoted or referenced in this article included business office staff and board members during the July report and subsequent questions and answers.
