2009.03.31
The $3 million gap
For Wednesday we will urge Roanoke City Council to find an additional $3 million to close the school's budget gap. City officials last week indicated that the schools could adjust their budget in a less conservative fashion to account for the money. That's budget trickery that could quickly turn to disaster.
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I'm not sure I get that. what do you mean by "a less conservative fashion"?
Comment by HCS — March 31, 2009 @ 3:19 pm
Creative bookkeeping?
Comment by Kristen — March 31, 2009 @ 4:27 pm
Check here for the "too conservative" school budget details discussed at a briefing after the March 16th 7:00 PM Council meeting followed by discussion at joint meeting between School Board and Council: http://www.theroanokefreepress.com/?p=1606
There were points made to the School Board by the City's Director of Finance on how RCPS in overfunding their medical claims fund,using an incorrect funding formula, etc.
Comment by Valerie — March 31, 2009 @ 5:30 pm
HCS, on the revenue side, the city thinks the school is underestimating the amount it will receive in sales tax and is disputing the calculations under the state formula for aid. On the expenditure side, the city also thought the school was overestimating the amount of its debt payments and medical claims.
The figures disputed add up to $3 million, the amount coincidentally that council agreed to "find" to help the schools.
Comment by Luanne T. — April 1, 2009 @ 9:06 am