Treasurer warns of funding pressure, forecasts possible $1.5M five-year shortfall

The Perrysburg Board of Education's treasurer (speaker S3) presented the March financial report at the March 24 meeting and warned of potential funding pressure in coming years.

Key figures and findings: The treasurer said the district's general fund appropriation is about $77.76 million and total district appropriations are roughly $112 million. Cash balances rose after a recent tax settlement; the district sits at about 155 "true cash days." However, revenue is running approximately 7.8% below last year at this time, and a state funding simulation suggests slower growth that could compound over several years. The transcript records a forecasted shortfall of about $1.5 million over the next five years, which the treasurer and board flagged as a planning concern.

The treasurer explained encumbrances and "then and nows" (invoice-before-purchase-order items), noting that by statute the board can approve then-and-nows under specified thresholds, and that most such items in the district are small and routinely presented to the board.

Board discussion and context: Board members raised the possible impact of proposed state legislation that could eliminate continuing levies and require all levies to have sunset dates, increasing ballot costs and uncertainty. Laura (S6) and others urged public education about the consequences of property-tax policy changes; the board mentioned a community event on April 29 at Penta titled "The Future of Property Taxes." The treasurer said the district will monitor state budget developments and adjust forecasts as information becomes available.

Action taken: The board moved to approve the February 26 financial report by roll call later in the meeting.