Emmett district budget report: $1.965 million in HB 292 funds, larger-than-expected carryover, technology costs highlighted
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Summary
District finance staff reported the annual audit is complete and that the district received $1,965,000 in House Bill 292 funds; general fund carryover exceeded projections and technology and WAN/host fees were detailed.
District finance staff told the Emmett Independent District Board that the district's annual audit is complete and that the district received $1,965,000 in House Bill 292 funds this year, up from about $1.2 million last year. Those funds, required by statute to be used for maintenance or construction to cover levies, will be held in the district's general fund if not used for construction in the current cycle.
Finance staff reported the district's general fund carryover was about $3.2 million with an estimated true carryover of $1.88 million, higher than previously forecast. The staff presentation broke out technology-related budget lines: recurring host and licensing fees (described as nearly $434,000 in host fees across funds), WAN costs estimated just over $25,000, and annual Internet expense of approximately $4,600 in fund budget planning. State-allocated technology funds (fund code 245) were reported at about $250,097 in the revised budget.
Board members asked whether the HB 292 funds retained the same restrictions when moved into the general fund; staff replied that the funds must still be used for maintenance needs or construction as stipulated. Staff said HB 292 money is currently in the state's Local Government Investment Pool earning some interest until expended.
The finance presenter said technology spending lines are broken into equipment/supplies versus recurring software/hosting fees; some software costs are covered by grants or special funds while a portion is budgeted in the general fund. Trustees asked whether the district needs to expand IT-related coursework; staff said curricula and instructional decisions would be referred to instructional leadership but acknowledged technology is an important instructional tool.
No formal budget action was taken at the meeting; the presentation served to inform trustees ahead of any authorization or future budget adjustments. The finance presenter invited trustees to follow up with questions; staff said a more detailed budget presentation is available in the board packet for review.
