Goshen County trustees approve FY2027 preliminary budget amid concerns about state recalibration rules

Trustees approved the district'presented FY2027 preliminary budget at the May 12 meeting after a presentation from Miss Kates outlining revenue and anticipated expenditures.

Miss Kates said the general fund is projected to be in deficit spending by about $600,000, leaving a 12.47% carryover. She noted continued uncertainty because state allocations for federal and special funds had not been finalized; the special fund budget was prepared at 95% of last year's allocations pending final state figures. The major maintenance fund revenue was estimated at $2.85 million, and the capital construction fund includes funds for HVAC roof-top projects at Lingal Fort Laramie.

The board also discussed food service funding: Miss Kates said the budget currently assumes the district will remain a "C" district and that staff recommends a transfer of about $550,000 from the general fund to sustain food service operations if that status continues. She warned that food service is not 100% self-sustaining under current assumptions.

A central concern raised by trustees and staff was guidance tied to the state'level recalibration process. Superintendent Kramer and business staff said the Wyoming Department of Education has indicated it may require districts to remit 50% of interest earned on certain interest-bearing local accounts back to the state for the recalibration period. Staff called that proposal disruptive and said they were awaiting further legal guidance and an attorney general opinion.

After discussion, the board voted to approve the FY2027 preliminary budget as presented. The district'wide annual budget hearing and final adoption are scheduled for July.