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Selectman O'Neil criticizes school board decision to spend $500K–$600K in unanticipated funds
Summary
Selectman Shawn O'Neil told the Danville Board of Selectmen he was the lone dissenting vote at a recent school board decision to spend $500,000–$600,000 in unanticipated revenue, arguing the accounting choice increased the operating budget from $81.9 million to $82.4 million and could disadvantage the town at budget time.
Selectman Shawn O'Neil reported to his fellow Selectmen on April 6 that he cast the only dissenting vote at a recent school board meeting, where the board approved using roughly $500,000–$600,000 in unanticipated funds this fiscal year. O'Neil said that approving the spending now increases the reported operating budget "from $81.9 million turned into $82.4 million," and that the board's decision could reduce the town’s ability to offset taxes because unanticipated revenue otherwise might have been applied at tax setting or to the default budget.
O'Neil said his objection was chiefly an accounting and procedural concern: if unanticipated revenue becomes part of the operation budget this year, it affects the baseline used for future budgets and default calculations. "The vote by the school board actually hurts us," O'Neil said, adding he will review the default budget closely and ensure funds are used properly.
Other Selectmen thanked O'Neil for his work on the school board and did not record new action by the Selectmen on the matter during the April 6 meeting. The Selectmen did not vote to change or direct the school board; O'Neil's report was presented as an informational update and an indication he will continue oversight and review.
