(3/30) The first overview of Fairfield Area School District’s (FASD) preliminary budget left the District with a deficit of approximately $346,000. The District’s Business Manager, Caroline Royer, briefed the School Board on the initial draft of the upcoming year’s budget during the March 11 Board meeting. Presently, the budget does not include a tax increase, however, it also included a non-comprehensive list of capital projects, so the possibility of a tax increase for the district is not quite off the table yet.

According to Royer, the 2019/2020 budget does reflect an increase in revenues of $336,000. This increase can be attributed to a rise in earned income taxes and transportation subsidies, as the district is receiving more reimbursement for transportation. Payroll and benefits for the district are also down by $107,000, even though, as Royer mentioned, they are anticipating contractual raises for professional staff, support staff and administrative staff. Overall expenditures for the upcoming budget total $18.68 million; this reflects an increase in expenditures of $341,000 over the current year’s budget.

Capital projects currently included in the budget total $116,000, which is significantly less than the $344,000 set aside for capital projects last year. Royer proposed replacing the wrestling mat, which is nearly 30 years old; replacing the lockers in the boys’ locker room; replacing the floors in three of the elementary classrooms; fixing the roofing wall panel in an effort to fix ongoing leaks; and upgrading the elementary school’s fire alarm panel.

Other expenses anticipated include district-wide and classroom technology equipment upgrades. Nathaniel Makar, Technology Coordinator for the district, noted that some of the equipment is ten years or older, and needs updated and/or replaced in order to run more efficiently and effectively. New laptops, chrome books, desktops and projectors were also budgeted for use throughout the elementary school, middle school and high school. Maker noted that the purchase of the aforementioned equipment is a continuous project in which the school replaces pieces of the older equipment in small batches every year.

The budget, in its current state, does not include any staff changes, new textbooks or curriculum changes. Royer will continue to add these changes in as teachers bring them forth to her. Prior to the April meeting, the board is to evaluate the budget and come prepared with any additional capital projects, amendments or further recommendations.

Royer pointed out to Board members that FASD currently has the lowest millage rates in Adams County, and if the district should decide to raise taxes, they could bring in a maximum of $225,000 in additional revenue.

The Board has until June 30 to adopt their final budget, and will continue discussions in April.