BURNET — Members of the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District breathed a little easier July 18 after hearing about a budget surplus for the coming year.
But the sweet was tinged with the bitter.
While trustees heard a surplus of $427,000 exists for fiscal year 2011-2012, the district could be short by as much as $400,000 the next fiscal year.
Resignations, retirements and higher student attendance may be needed to offset the deficit in 2012-2013, which follows on the heels of a decision by the Legislature to slash $4 billion from state education funding.
"We are in great shape compared to a lot of other places," Business Manager Preston Ingram told the board during their meeting.
Also, the board also is considering a proposal to keep property taxes about the same for the pending fiscal year, which begins Sept. 1. Trustees also heard the city of Burnet is considering ending a contract with the district involving the use of Galloway Hammond Recreation Center, 1601 U.S. 281 North, a municipal complex where students swim and hold other events.
However, much of the board's attention focused on the new budget, which calls for expenditures of more than $23.8 million during the coming academic year.
Recent reduced federal and state aid forced officials to face a potential deficit of more than $2 million earlier this year, Ingram said.
However, because of several staff resignations, retirements and an average daily attendance increase, which is a factor in state funding, the FY 2011-2012 district budget shows a surplus of more than $427,000, Ingram said.
"We came out pretty well," he added.
