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Committee weighs reserve transfers — recommends technology, athletic and capital contributions
Summary
Administration proposed transfers into three reserve accounts: $275,000 to technology (network upgrades, device replacement, $50,000 contingency for a possible personal-device ban), $215,000 to athletic facilities (turf/reconfiguration at Reedsbrook) and $500,000 to capital; members debated PFAS concerns and whether to use fund balance to lower taxes now or hold for future capital needs.
The RSU 22 budget committee reviewed recommended transfers into reserve accounts during its April 30 session, discussing the rationale and potential tax effects.
Nick described seven reserve accounts and proposed contributions to three: $275,000 to the technology reserve (including $140,000 for a multi-year network upgrade, $80,000 for staff device replacements and $50,000 earmarked to cover potential needs if a proposed statewide 'bell-to-bell' personal electronic-device prohibition requires the district to purchase devices for students who lack school-issued computers), $215,000 to the athletic facilities reserve (continuing a $150,000/year turf replacement practice plus $65,000 to support exploratory Reedsbrook Field changes), and $500,000 to the capital reserve for HVAC, roofing, playground ADA modifications and similar projects.
On Reedsbrook Field, Nick and committee members discussed options to add a second softball field and preserve a central soccer field; no decision was made and the plan was characterized as exploratory. Committee members also raised PFAS concerns after recent literature on turf; Nick said that at the time the district replaced the turf they were assured the rubber infill was not impacted but that he had no recent testing results to cite.
Committee members debated whether unspent FY25 funds or carry-forward money should be used to reduce next year’s tax burden. Several members argued for conserving funds to address capital needs and avoid later large bond requests; others favored giving money back as a modest tax reduction. The committee later coalesced around recommending a $500,000 carry-forward to present to the board as a compromise.
No formal transfers were enacted at the meeting; decisions about reserve funding and final budget figures are scheduled for the board workshop on May 13 and for later district votes.
