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Ansonia board reviews budget outlook; $2.5 million in estimated cost reimbursements noted
Summary
Board members heard a budget summary from district staff noting similar year-to-date spending as last year, that healthcare, special education and transportation are the largest cost drivers, and an estimated $2.5 million in cost reimbursements to be uploaded for the Excess Cost Grant; members discussed likely budget cuts ahead of a lean city allocation next year.
The Ansonia Board of Education received a preliminary budget briefing Oct. 27 that underscored tight fiscal conditions heading into next year and flagged the end of an Alliance Grant as a likely cause of required adjustments.
Erich Marriott summarized the budget handout and timeline, telling board members that spending through October this year is close to last year’s figures and that “Healthcare, Special Education, and Transportation costs are the majority of the budget.” He said the district estimates about $2.5 million in cost reimbursements and will begin uploading claims to the state for the Excess Cost Grant.
Board President Rich Bshara said the district should start from a zero-balance approach and then adjust upward according to department needs; he asked that line items be consolidated where appropriate. Members discussed that next year the Alliance Grant will not provide additional funds and that the city’s allocation for the district is expected to be lean.
Superintendent DiBacco said the district will not know whether the city will increase funding until May and recommended basing early planning on the funds currently available. Marriott noted that healthcare, special education and transportation remain the largest budget pressures and mentioned an increase in sports transportation costs this year. He said he will meet with accounts payable and special-education staff every two weeks as the district prepares Excess Cost Grant submissions.
Board members discussed the need to identify potential budget cuts; no specific cuts were approved at the meeting. The board asked staff to continue analysis and present recommended adjustments in forthcoming budget workshops.
