Committee removes school nutrition equipment and vehicle replacement fund from CIP; staff to seek alternate funding

Lynchburg City Schools’ Finance & Facilities Committee voted to remove two line items — the school nutrition equipment fund and the vehicle replacement fund — from the district’s current PAYGO capital improvement plan after staff said the items do not meet the PAYGO eligibility defined by the city.

Staff told the committee that the city’s previously allocated PAYGO funds were designated for fencing and paving projects, playground improvements and career and technical education (CTE) program improvements. School nutrition equipment and vehicle replacement do not fall into those categories, so staff recommended removing the two line items and exploring other funding options.

Committee members asked for clarity on funding amounts and existing project commitments. Staff said the city committed $10,000,000 in bond funding for the current CIP; PAYGO funds total $950,000 and are separate. A previously allocated $750,000 for building‑envelope work at EC Glass and R.S. Payne remains committed to that project and is not part of the new $10,000,000 allocation, staff said. The committee was told the EC Glass / R.S. Payne combined envelope repair project has an estimated total cost of about $5,270,000 and that $2.5 million for that portion is bond funded.

Committee members sought a clearer spreadsheet showing project numbers, fund sources and where residual contingency funds sit. Staff said the city produces a project‑number report and agreed to provide the committee with expanded documentation, including any committed but not shown funds.

A motion to remove the two line items from the CIP was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff said they will pursue alternative funding sources and return to the committee with options.