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Late state audit pauses a state payment; Rainier finance director says district cash and reimbursements will cover flow
Summary
Rainier's finance director reported the district's state audit is delayed, which temporarily withholds the monthly safe‑school fund payment; the district reported approximately $4 million in cash and $1.2 million in reimbursable grants to help cover near‑term cash flow.
Bryce Bombardier, the district’s finance director, reported that the district has received a draft of the state audit but the final submission is delayed while the auditors complete quality checks. Because the audit is not yet finalized, the district’s monthly allotment from the state safe‑school fund will be temporarily withheld, Bombardier said.
"We will not be receiving our monthly allotment of the safe school fund this month," Bombardier told the board, but he added the hold is likely temporary and that reimbursements and timing will help: "Right now, we have about $4,000,000 in the bank at the moment," and about $1.2 million in grants that can be claimed to ease cash flow.
Bombardier reviewed causes cited in the audit process: delayed auditor responses, prior‑year corrections that affected ending fund balances, and the district's recent operational changes (bringing payroll in‑house and establishing SOPs). He said the district is reviewing PERS calculations and considering options for auditing services going forward; other business managers had suggested shopping for a different auditor to improve turnaround and costs.
Board members asked whether the district should seek a different audit provider; Bombardier recommended at least exploring alternatives, noting interim audit costs the district has paid. The district business office plans follow‑up work to finalize accounts, update SOPs, and present any budget revisions needed after the audit adjustments are finalized.
