Harris County reports $1.5M FTE gain but warns of tight month‑to‑month fund balance
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Summary
District staff told the board an improved FTE coding effort increased projected funding by about $1.5 million over two years, helping the budget outlook, but monthly payroll liabilities (~$5.7M) and a remaining fund balance of about $510,000 require close monitoring until tax and QBE allotments arrive.
Doctor Finney briefed the board on the district's major purchases and financial reports and highlighted two contrasting developments: a successful multi‑department effort that increased the district's earned FTE funding and a low month‑to‑month fund balance that requires vigilance.
Finance and student information staff reported that improved coding practices, driven by data‑planning meetings and collaboration among principals and data clerks, produced an estimated $1,500,000 in additional FTE funding over the last two years. Doctor Finney described this improvement as a planned target that was incorporated into the current budget: “This was our target to hit this target to make our budget work.”
At the same time, the board packet included a revised major purchases report capturing employer‑paid payroll liabilities (monthly figure presented by staff as approximately $5,783,000). Doctor Finney told the board the remaining general fund balance stood at about $510,000 at the reporting date and cautioned that the district depends on monthly QBE allotments (roughly $3 million per month) and the first tax distribution in January to maintain liquidity.
“Therefore, we're thinking we're gonna be okay to get through December,” he said, but he emphasized the importance of a strong July beginning fund balance (staff cited a target of $15–17 million) so the district can absorb monthly payroll and obligations earlier in the fiscal year.
No formal budget adjustments or votes were taken at the Nov. 6 meeting; the board was informed and asked staff to continue monitoring cash flow and the major purchases report.
