Board hears finance report showing projected $1 million surplus; approves sale of aged bus

Mount Lebanon’s financial staff presented the June/July treasurer’s reports Aug. 11 showing an unaudited projection of approximately $1 million surplus for the 2024–25 fiscal year, citing expense controls and several one‑time and ongoing revenue items. At the same meeting the board approved the auction of a 2008 72‑passenger Bluebird bus and approved a personnel report so hires could be completed before classes begin.

Why it matters: The projection reverses earlier concerns tied to state funding changes and, if confirmed by the district’s auditors, would improve the district’s fund balance and allow the board to plan for capital allocations. The bus sale and personnel actions are operational items to support the coming school year.

Treasurer’s briefing — key points - Projected surplus: Finance staff reported an unaudited surplus of about $1,000,000 for fiscal 2024–25, driven by expenditure reductions (a hiring freeze on non‑essential spending since January), savings in salary and benefits and higher than budgeted delinquent tax and PILOT/agreements revenue. - Revenue offsets: The district reported extra receipts (including payment‑in‑lieu agreements with entities such as Asbury Heights and Dorchester Apartments) and higher collections on delinquent taxes (noted increase ~$625,000). Facility rentals, tuition, interest and other smaller lines also contributed to positive variances. - Expense controls: Managers froze non‑essential travel and printing, applied tighter purchase‑order controls and had lower-than-expected insurance claims and legal fees. - Audit timeline: The figures presented are unaudited; the district’s external auditors are scheduled to be on-site in August to complete the audit process.

Votes and motions taken at the meeting - Auction agreement: The board voted to approve an agreement with Matthews and Sons, Inc. (22 Sales) to auction a 2008 Bluebird 72‑passenger bus. Motion moved by Mrs. Burdick; roll‑call votes were recorded as all ayes. - Personnel report: The board voted to approve the personnel report so hires and assignments could be finalized prior to the start of school; the motion was moved on the record and approved by roll call.

Other finance items discussed - The administration notified the board it negotiated a pilot and settlement agreement with Concordia Lutheran Ministries of Pittsburgh to resolve a long‑running property dispute; the superintendent recommended approval of that agreement (the motion was presented for consideration during the finance portion of the agenda).

Supporting quote “The current projection for 2425 is a surplus. This is a surplus of about $1,000,000,” a finance presenter said during the treasurer’s review.

Ending Administrators said the surplus projection remains unaudited and subject to confirmation by the district’s auditors; the board instructed administration to continue conservative budget monitoring and to present audit findings when available.