At the Truth in Taxation hearing during the December 13 Lanesboro School Board meeting, Superintendent Matt Schultz presented tax and budget information to the public. This year the total proposed property taxes went up 2.59% to $1,101,792. The year before had seen a total of $1,074,012 which had been down 91%.
Schultz pointed out that seasonal recreational property such as a campground is not collected from for levy but only for bonds. He noted that this does not affect the total revenue much, however.
Lanesboro does not have an operating referendum, unlike many of the neighboring school districts. Schultz reminded the attendees that once again the state funding does not keep up with inflation. With underfunding from the state and inflation, some increase in property taxes is necessary to make up the deficit in the school budget.
After Schultz made his presentation, the floor was opened for questions and comments from the public. There was no public comment; after a short time, the hearing was closed. Later during the meeting, the board approved the certification of Truth in Taxation Compliance and the final property tax levy amount of $1,101,792.
2022-2023 Audit
Kali Lentz of Smith Schafer presented the recently completed audit of school finances for the 2022-2023 school year. In her presentation, Lentz pointed out changes for the school in the past year. Administrative costs increased with the addition of more secretaries and the categorization of the dean of students position as administrative.
Due to the increase in enrollment, more teachers were added last year, increasing salary expenses, but some hires to replace retiring teachers were new teachers at a lower pay scale.
Food service funds have seen several changes lately with funding for free lunches during COVID. Food service revenue exceeded expenditures by $66,874; this increased the food service balance to $132,698. A kitchen remodel was completed in 2021-2022.
SPED revenues from the state increased after recent legislation.
Lanesboro School gets between 12% and 13% of its total revenue from local property taxes; in comparison, most other area schools receive 15% of their total revenue from local taxes.
The unassigned general fund balance totaled $1,272,252 which was 23% of the total general fund expenditures. The board has historically tried to keep approximately a 25% balance in the unassigned general fund balance; this would cover expenses for about three months.
Lentz shared that Lanesboro is below other districts’ average in regular instruction costs per ADM (average daily membership).
Community service fund expenditures exceeded revenues by $112,683 and ended the year with a deficit fund balance of $71,853. The previous year there had been no deficit so no funds were transferred; this year funds will once again be transferred to community service again.
The audit was a clean audit. General fund reserves and other finances exceeded expenditures by $29,281. The total general fund balance was $1,414,815. The board approved the 2022-2023 audit.
Other Business
In other business the board:
•Approved the hiring of Kendal Johnson as a paraprofessional;
•Accepted the resignation of paraprofessional Pam Ruen;
•Accepted donations of $500 for the senior class trip and $1,050 for scholarships;
•Heard that December 22 was an early dismissal day; winter break begins at 11:32 a.m. when school is dismissed;
•Learned that the negotiations meeting with teacher representatives was moved to December 20 at 5:45 p.m.;
•Changed the January regular board meeting date from January 10 to January 17 due to board member scheduling conflicts.
The next regular Lanesboro School Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. January 17 in the school forum room. The public is welcome to attend; a public input period is held at each board meeting. The comments must be informational and not exceed five minutes. The board cannot engage in a discussion, but will take the information and find answers if appropriate.
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