Minutes 06-15-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 Commissioner Burroughs said the last clarification is the question of from where the money will come. She asked Commissioner McKee if he intended to add the additionally found funds of$400,000, over and above the already committed $1,750,000. Commissioner McKee said yes, and it is still his intention to make that recommendation. Commissioner Jacobs said he thought this $400,000 was going on top of the $1,750,000, but since now there is $2.4 million he would like $2 million to go to the schools and remaining $400,000 to the County. He said the Board does not have to spend every dollar that it has. Commissioner McKee said he is open to giving the schools $2 million. Commissioner Price clarified that no one is concerned that these funds should go to one-time expenses. Commissioner Jacobs said the Board will allocate the funds to capital needs for the schools, but the schools can use the funds as they want. He said there is no additional funding for operating expenses, and the schools understand that they have discretion; the BOCC does not tell them how to spend money. Bonnie Hammersley said as one time funding, it would be run through the recurring capital, with 1/12 of the total being given to the schools on a monthly basis. She said this funding can be spent in three categories, and the schools do not provide invoices. She said next year the base budget will return to $3 million. She said the other option is put the funds against the per pupil, but that would not be her recommendation as these are one time funds. Commissioner Burroughs' proposal would not affect the per pupil amount. Commissioner McKee said he is not against doing anything that is reasonable, and he is not in favor of raising taxes this year. Commissioner Burroughs said if she were to make a motion to raise taxes, instead of this proposed amendment, it would die for lack of a second. She said this proposed amendment is not ideal, but it will work. Paul Laughton, Finance and Administrative Services, said the three categories, in which schools can spend recurring capital funds, are: building and grounds/facility improvements; furnishings and equipment; and vehicles and buses. He said 1/12 of these funds are given on a monthly basis, just as it is done with operating funds. Commissioner Rich asked if the $1.7 million goes to schools as a one-time expense, can that money can be used for recurring or operating costs. Commissioner Burroughs suggested asking OCS how they may use the funds. Chair Dorosin asked if the BOCC can direct funds to recurring expenses, and the funds only be spent there; or can the funds go into recurring expenses, but ultimately be spent however the schools deem appropriate. He said it will be vital for the schools to understand that next year the base will start at the same level that it started this year, and these additional funds are in no way guaranteed. Paul Laughton said historically recurring capital has been given to be spent in one of those three categories. Chair Dorosin asked if the Board can insist that funds be spent on recurring capital, or if the Board merely makes suggestions/recommendations. Paul Laughton said the schools do not send in invoices, and the County gives the schools 1/12 of the allocated funds on a monthly basis. Pam Jones, OCS Deputy Superintendent, said when OCS does its Capital Investment Plan (CIP), recurring capital is included in the categories mentioned by Paul Laughton. Chair Dorosin said there are two pots of money, which are drawn upon each month, and there is no accountability for how the funding is spent. Paul Laughton said the County does not have the authority to tell the schools how to use the funds, but the County keeps separate accounts for recurring and capital funds.