Connetquot presentation outlines 2026–27 budget calendar; board questions transfers including $36,501 for athletics
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Summary
District finance staff presented the 2026–27 budget calendar and explained state tax‑cap constraints and state‑aid components; board members pressed for details on a $36,501.06 transfer to athletic supplies, a $71,434.47 internal‑audit inquiry, gift‑card reimbursements and workers' compensation encumbrances.
District finance staff on Jan. 13 kicked off the 2026–27 budget process and warned that state limits and timing will shape choices for next year.
"One of the items that we're waiting for is what's called the tax base growth factor," presenter Mr. Hauser said, explaining that the district must wait for state figures from the Department of Taxation and Finance and for the governor's proposed budget. He said the allowable levy growth factor is currently around 1.02, "that's really their way of saying 2%." The presenter said foundation aid is the single largest component of state aid.
Board members asked for line‑item detail. One member asked about a $36,501.06 transfer from bond‑anticipation note interest to athletic supplies, which staff said was for updated uniforms and other athletic items tied to a mascot update (replacing "Thunderbird" branding with "T Bird"). The member asked that item be pulled from the consent agenda for separate vote.
Questions about the internal claims‑auditor report focused on a $71,434.47 total described as "confirming purchase order" items: several purchase orders (including a late invoice from East Islip School District for prior‑year services) were the largest components, staff said. Board members also queried a roughly $7,000 Home Depot sales‑tax charge and a small series of gift‑card purchases used as meal reimbursements for bus drivers on out‑of‑district trips; staff said the practice has stopped.
On workers' compensation, finance staff noted the district is self‑insured for the first roughly $600,000 of a claim; the transcript shows a negative available balance of about $56,191 in the appropriation status detail report, which staff said reflected encumbrances and purchase orders rather than actual overspending and that a transfer may be forthcoming.
Board members also discussed contracted transportation budget lines (Mr. Hauser named Montauk Bus and Suffolk Transportation) and the BOCES administrative assessment. After discussion the consent and financial items were approved; the transcript recorded roll‑call opposition to budget transfer item number 2 from at least two trustees (see vote record).
