Board directs monthly preliminary revenue reports and approves June bill list

Board members pressed for more financial transparency at the July 14 meeting, and the superintendent agreed to provide a monthly preliminary revenue report beginning with the August meeting.

The discussion focused on the difference between accrual-based financial statements and the information board members said they need to reconcile bills and bank statements. Multiple members requested a simple monthly revenue column showing actual dollars received compared with the revised budget figure; the superintendent said the county—s finance and data processing departments produce detailed reports but that year-end accrual adjustments traditionally delay a final June expenditure report.

After back-and-forth about what could be provided without producing a non-final public statement, Dr. Shannon said she could run an off-the-system monthly revenue report showing "how much we have budgeted for basic aid, how much has come in, and how much is remaining to come in," and the board agreed to include a preliminary monthly revenue report effective with their August meeting.

The board then voted to approve the bill list presented for payment during the July meeting. The motion to approve the bills was made by Mr. Rogers and passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: routine access to monthly revenue figures will change how the board monitors cash receipts against anticipated revenues and may affect future spending approvals and the timing of future bill lists.

Speakers in the discussion included Mr. Rogers, Dr. Shannon and Miss Carr, who explained the content and limitations of current reports.