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Board warned contingent budget would force cuts; members urge caution on reserve reliance
Summary
Board discussion highlighted that a failed May vote would force a revote or adoption of a contingent budget (no tax-levy increase), eliminating equipment purchases, the $100,000 capital outlay and bus purchases; members cautioned the routine use of reserves reduces long-term flexibility.
During discussion after the budget presentation, Mrs. May and board members unpacked what a contingent budget would require if voters reject the May proposition. Mrs. May said a contingent budget would not allow a tax-levy increase and would force elimination of equipment purchases, the $100,000 capital outlay project, bus purchases, and other noncontingent expenditures — creating about a $416,000 gap to close under the no-tax-levy constraint. She told the board they could either seek a June revote on the statewide revote day (June 16) or adopt the contingent budget if a revote fails.
Board members pressed on reserve levels: one member observed several years of reserve use and warned capital needs (roofs, parking, building repairs) would soon require funds. Another member noted that while reserves can smooth short-term needs, routinely spending them risks future fiscal stress and urged caution about relying on reserves to mask structural revenue shortfalls.
