Las Cruces Public Schools finance subcommittee approves consent package; discusses Title I award, Head Start balances and vendor reporting

The Las Cruces Public Schools finance subcommittee voted 3-0 on June 16 to forward a consent package to the full board that included an award of a government-relations services contract, 35 budget adjustment requests (BARs), property disposals and vendor payments, while hearing updates on Head Start grant balances, a correction to Title I award figures from the New Mexico Public Education Department and questions about vendor payment reporting.

The subcommittee, chaired by Bob Wofford, met virtually and approved the items after a grouped motion that passed unanimously. The meeting included presentations from district finance and procurement staff and questions from board members about enrollment-driven payments, interest income and how ACH payments are reported.

The Head Start budget update showed the program’s on-paper balances before encumbrances but noted several expected encumbrances. The district reported a year-to-date balance of $626,619.74 “before encumbrances,” and a summary line showing $827,357.49; after encumbrances as of May 30 the available balance was $93,248.60, the presenter said. A staff member also reported that indirect costs of $164,665 have been fully charged.

Board members asked follow-up questions; staff said remaining payments will be processed in the closing rounds of grant reimbursement requests.

Procurement staff recommended awarding RFP 24-25-08P for government relations and lobbying services to Bolzano Government Relations of Albuquerque. The solicitation was advertised May 11, closed May 22, and attracted one bid; 17 vendors viewed the solicitation online.…