Fruitport finance committee reviews 2025–26 budget amendment, bond timeline; ECC pay increase tabled

The Fruitport Community Schools Business and Finance Committee met on Jan. 12 and reviewed a package of financial items that the district will present to the full board at its January meeting.

Mark Mesbergen, Director of Business Services, presented detailed amendments to the 2025–26 General Fund and School Service Fund and said he will present the proposed budget amendments to the full board at the upcoming January board meeting for formal consideration. Mesbergen also reported that the federal government has released audit documents, allowing the auditor Rehmann to send the district a final revision of the single audit; Mesbergen said the single audit and the financial statements will be listed as an action item for board approval at that meeting.

Jason Kennedy, committee member, outlined the schedule for the district’s first series of 2026 school building and site bond sales and said a couple of district staff are expected to attend the sale in St. Louis. The committee discussed timing and logistics but recorded no committee-level vote or formal authorization to proceed; final decisions and any required approvals will occur at the full board meeting.

Mesbergen said the Early Childhood Center (ECC) pay increase recommendation is being tabled while the new ECC director continues to learn the program; he will bring that recommendation to the full board when he presents the budget amendments. On facilities technology, Mesbergen presented a proposal from TowerPinkster to provide technology design, bidding and build services for Edgewood Elementary, noting TowerPinkster now has an in-house technology division and that the cost would be charged to the district’s reimbursable fee budget. Kyle (surname not specified in the committee record) has met with TowerPinkster’s lead if the district approves.

No public comment was offered. The committee adjourned at 5:49 p.m. and Mesbergen submitted the minutes.