The forecast shows estimated revenue of $73.7 million and estimated expenditures of $73.1 million for the current fiscal year.
“To operate within the current estimated revenue streams would require an estimated $2.3 million reduction in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010, Hancock said.
The district is “OK right now, but it’s a very scary time,” said board Vice President George Jonson. “The state’s finances have never been so shaky.”
The Hamilton community approved two bond issues in recent years that are providing state of the art facilities, Hancock said. Those bond dollars do not fund general operations, for which the district has not received a voted increase since February 1993, he said.
“The district pledged to make that operating levy last four years and we will begin our 17th year without additional voted operating millage on Jan. 1, 2010,” Hancock said. “Making a levy last that long is almost unheard of today and we will continue to do our best to live within current operating dollars available.”
In other business, board members approved hiring a new elementary teacher. A significant increase in enrollment at the elementary level has led administrators to hire a number of new teachers. Elementary enrollment as of Thursday, Sept. 24, was 5,342, compared to 5,225 in October 20088.
“It’s a good problem to have,” said Joni Copas, district spokeswoman. “And we believe that our new schools have attracted some interest.”
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