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Superintendent: town council approved FY27 budget; warns against using one‑time funds for recurring expenses
Summary
Superintendent Steve Macchio told the board the FY27 budget of $83,578,111.58 was approved by the town council and explained why the district is protecting its Board‑managed non‑lapsing fund from one‑time spending amid a drop in special‑education excess cost reimbursements.
The Board of Education’s FY27 budget was approved by the town council, Superintendent Steve Macchio reported, with a total of $83,578,111.58 — a 4.97 percent increase over the current year. Macchio said the state provided supplemental aid of $1,192,946 intended to reduce the tax impact.
Macchio warned council amendments and one‑time funding choices can create future fiscal stress. He defended use of a Board‑managed non‑lapsing (unexpended) fund under a 2024 law change that allows Boards of Education to deposit unspent funds for educational purposes. “There is nothing slushy about that fund,” he said, framing it as protection against unexpected special education placements and infrastructure needs.
The superintendent also announced updated excess cost (special education) reimbursement figures: the district had budgeted for 70 percent but was notified the final reimbursement will be about 67.46 percent, reducing expected revenue by roughly $643,000 and lowering the projected year‑end surplus. Macchio said the new projected balance is about $992,000 and stressed he will avoid using one‑time funds for recurring salaries or programs. “I will not utilize one time funds for recurring expenses,” he said.
Macchio walked through likely tax impacts if a mill‑rate increase materializes, giving household examples: a $200,000 home could see about $322 a year ($26.83/month); a $300,000 home about $483 a year; a $450,000 home about $724.50 a year.
Why it matters: The board must balance short‑term remedies against long‑term fiscal sustainability while funding special education and maintenance needs. Changes in state reimbursement rates can materially change the district’s year‑end position and its ability to replenish reserves.
What’s next: Macchio said he will continue work with town leadership and return with updated end‑of‑year projections; the board and administration agreed to continue cross‑government communication about non‑lapsing funds and capital planning.
