Board schedules special budget meetings after consultant, AD and county treasurer review uncovers cash-balance issue

Superintendent Terry Romo told the Sierra Vista Unified School District governing board that consultant Heinfeld Meech assisted district staff in uncovering a continuing negative cash balance at the county treasurer’s office. Romo said the district submitted correct information to the county, and the Arizona Department of Education is working with the county and Heinfeld Meech to resolve the discrepancy.

Romo thanked Heinfeld Meech and county treasurer Jackie Clay for their assistance in identifying and addressing the issue. The transcript does not quantify the amount of the negative cash balance; Romo said the situation is being addressed with state and county partners.

Later in the meeting, board member Fran said a vote to approve the proposed budget should have been on that night’s agenda and requested two special meetings: a short meeting on June 18 to approve the proposed budget and a June 30 special meeting that will include the required public budget hearing and adoption of the proposed budget. Trustees discussed scheduling and availability; members noted virtual participation is an option and agreed to coordinate a noticed meeting time.

The transcript records the board’s scheduling discussion and availability confirmations but does not show a formal adoption at the regular meeting; the June 18 and June 30 meetings were proposed to complete the approval and adoption steps required by statute and district procedure.