Timberlane board approves revised default budget, asks for lease-project feasibility review

The Timberlane Regional School District board approved a revised default budget for the coming year and asked administrators to check whether a planned Phase 4 lease project can be substituted with a higher-priority building-envelope job.

Administration told the board it removed the Phase 4 lease payment from the FY27 default-budget calculation to reflect a timing change in a lease payment and to match the budget committee’s guidance. Maria (district finance staff) said November receipts were light and stressed that cash reserves matter for maintaining payroll and operations.

Why it matters: the board must present two budget numbers to voters — the proposed budget and the default (last year’s voted budget). The revised default now reflects adjustments tied to lease timing and will be part of the warrant materials sent to the public for the January 15 public hearing and the February 5 deliberative session.

What the board voted: Jack moved to approve the revised default of $89,347,430; the motion was seconded and carried with one recorded abstention. Administration emphasized that the budget committee’s recommended staffing reductions are advisory; the board or subsequent actions would be required to remove positions from the default if the board decides to do so.

Lease and warrant changes: administrators explained that several warrant articles were renumbered after staff split a prior capital article into two items: one to close the old capital reserve and create a new capital improvement and maintenance fund, and another to appropriate the routinely budgeted $250,000 to that fund. Legal counsel is preparing final language for voters.

Facilities substitution feasibility: Board member Jack proposed replacing a $750,000 PAC 'pack' roof in Phase 4 of the lease with a $500,000 high‑school envelope project and moved to effect the change. That motion failed for lack of a second. The board then approved a motion by Mary Anne, seconded by Bree, directing administration to investigate the feasibility and contractual implications of substituting the envelope project into the lease and to return with details at the next meeting. Administration said the outstanding question to answer first is whether any pending contract with EEI would be violated by such a substitution and what the procurement and cost consequences would be.

Next steps: administration will return with follow-up information before the board’s next meeting. The public hearing on the proposed budgets is set for January 15; the deliberative session for Feb. 5, and the formal vote in March.