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Hammond board reviews February finances; public urges clearer title‑fund reporting and forensic audit
Summary
District financial advisor reported February fund balances (education fund $14.49M; operations $16.95M; rainy day $6.30M); multiple public speakers urged clearer title‑fund presentation and suggested a forensic audit and clarity on transportation and cash‑flow risks.
The School City of Hammond board received a February financial report on March 18 and heard public comments urging clearer presentation of title funds and stronger audit transparency.
Daniel Dalton of Senator Dalton Municipal Advisors reviewed month‑end balances: "The education fund ended the month with $14,491,537," he told trustees, and provided figures for the debt service fund ($5,025,976), referendum debt service ($431,203), operations fund ($16,946,313) and rainy day fund ($6,297,155). Dalton explained that several title funds appear negative because they are reimbursement accounts and noted a year‑over‑year comparison in the packet.
During discussion a trustee asked for more forensic review of spending to ensure funds are being used correctly. A trustee (speaker 22) said the new board "needs the forensic audit in order to make sure that this money is being spent the way it's supposed to" and expressed discomfort with not knowing original starting balances for title 1–4 funds.
Public commenters returned to the financial presentation. Cindy Murphy told the board the packet should make clearer that title funds are reimbursement accounts: "You need to have something on the first page saying that these are reimbursement funds," she said, adding the current presentation can appear misleading to readers. Murphy also raised concerns about summer cash flows and whether the district will be able to meet NIPSCO payments and suggested that extracurricular coaches be told if bussing resources will be limited.
Dr. Michaela Spangenberg of the Gary Education Coalition said she appreciated the improved breakdown and urged the board to consider accessible public explanations of how title funds flow. She also noted that while unusual labels exist for some audit types, districts have the right to contract for independent (forensic) audits under state law if they choose.
Trustees asked staff to provide additional documentation showing original grant allocations and to clarify transportation and cash‑flow projections. The board did not take a formal vote on audit contracting during the meeting but agreed to provide more detailed financial breakdowns and follow‑up information to trustees and the public.
