Pickens School Board Adopts Budget, Millage

A tinge of reverence marked the Pickens County School Board meeting last night in an atmosphere of good news. At the beginning of the meeting, Board Chair Wendy Lowe lighted a candle that burned throughout the meeting in memoriam of those lost on September 11, 2001.However, the mood quickly changed as the district made several initial moves towards a progressive future. In the weeks to come, FYN will be reporting on those presentations as they become finalized.

In the financial report, CFO Amy Burgess said the July/August revenue is on target and the expenditures sit at 80.62%. SPLOST collection for August was $307,337. The much-debated fieldhouse final cost was $107,000 to the school district after a donation from the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office.

In current news, the board realized a significant change in their financial future. Although the board was set to increase their millage rate to 16.18 tentatively on August 19, that doesn’t appear to be a necessity at this point.

“We had an influx of revenue…we are very pleased about that. So instead of increasing the millage rate to 16.18 we are going to recommend to hold it the same as last year,”

Burgess reported. This meant the board was able to adjust the budget and retain the same millage as last year, 16.10.

Superintendent Dr. Lula Perry recommended the millage be set, followed by a motion to adopt the recommendation by Board Member Mike Cowart and seconded by Byron Long.

Additionally, the newly revised budget was adopted. The influx of revenue appears indicated at $1,932,468 more than anticipated when the tentative budget was accepted mid-August. Other areas of note are an increase of State – Other of $46,068; and improvement of instruction has been now allocated $988,262 more from revenue sources.

A line item totaling $119,693 from revenue sources for federal grant administration has been added as has $1,950,000 from revenues to cover maintenance/plant operations.

The fund balance for June 30, 2014 is projected to be $4,035,520.

Burgess was unable to be reached for comment or explanation as they had a tax deadline to meet today, however FYN does expect further communication on the new budget as time allows.

Lowe stated,

“It is exciting that we have more money and that we don’t have to ask for any more.”

The budget was approved unanimously. Please see the attached budget.

14Budget.pdf