Lee School Committee approves $412,494.76 in warrants and $187,106.89 in payroll; one member abstains

The Lee School Committee approved accounts-payable warrants totaling $412,494.76 and payroll warrants totaling $187,106.89 during its July 14 meeting.

Finance committee member Jesner outlined three accounts-payable warrants covering the period since the last meeting: a June 17 warrant for $4,745 for May payroll processing; a second June 17 warrant for $208,146.73 (top vendors listed as Branches, CTC and Dufour); and a June 30 warrant for $199,603.03 (top vendors listed as Branches, Hillcrest and Valley West). Jesner said the three warrants total $412,494.76 and the committee approved that amount after a roll-call vote.

On the roll call, one committee member was asked to abstain because a vendor payment would affect a family member; that member (French) abstained. The motion to approve the $412,494.76 accounts-payable warrants carried with the remaining members voting yes.

Jesner also reported two payroll warrants totaling $187,106.89. The committee moved and approved payroll in that amount; the same member again abstained and the payroll motion passed.

Why it matters: Warrants and payroll votes finalize the district’s recent expenditures. The committee discussed a possible conflict of interest tied to one warrant payment; that member abstained and the board proceeded with the approvals.

Votes at a glance:

- Accounts payable: motion to approve $412,494.76 (moved by the Chair; second noted). Roll-call vote recorded; French abstained; motion approved.

- Payroll: motion to approve $187,106.89 (moved by the Chair; second noted). French abstained; motion approved.

The committee also scheduled future business including subcommittee reorganization for the August meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.