PR-B to pass preliminary budget June 18

Pine River-Backus School Board reviewed the district's preliminary 2012-13 budget, Monday night, in anticipation of finalizing it at the June 18 board meeting.

The preliminary budget includes total revenues of $10,130,812 and total expenses of $14,106,507.

Projected total revenues are down 32 percent (a change of $4,768,611), and projected total expenses are up 23.7 percent (a change of $2,705,981) between the two budgets.

The building construction fund is responsible for the largest fluctuations between the revised 2011-12 budget and the preliminary 2012-13 budget.

The building construction fund included 2011-12 revenues of $4,695,405 from the building bond approved by voters in November, plus a $355,000 lease-purchase agreement for roof repairs at the school. No building construction revenues are planned for 2012-13.

The district plans for $3,549,500 in building construction expenses - an increase of $2,670,710 over the revised budget - due to the district's early childhood and athletic additions, new bus garage and roof repair.

Construction expenses for building projects occurring before June 30 were included in the 2011-12 revised budget. Later expenses are part of the 2012-13 budget.

The district anticipates spending down its fund balances in the general fund, food service fund, transportation, community service, capital, building, debt redemption and scholarship funds.

The district under-levied $13,908 to help avoid property tax increases resulting from changes to the state's property tax credit system.

Federal funding to the district will take a dip in 2012-13.

The district anticipates receiving $38,694 less in Title I and II funds for 2012-13. Other decreases include: a discontinued Rural Low Income Schools Grant of $18,114; and Education Jobs federal stimulus discontinuation of $23,850.

District expenses decreased overall by $40,252. Last year the district had special election costs not include in the preliminary budget.

Overall elementary expenses are projected to increase by $91,751.

Increased elementary expenses include: $28,600 severance payable; $1,000 classroom supplies (grades 1, 4) ; Title Fees for Services $5,086; and $14,799 in payments to Stellher Human Services for a mental health student day-treatment program. The district saved on $39,920 in expenses for interpretors, when hearing-impaired students left the district. Other budget changes at the elementary are due to salary/benefit settlements and staffing reassignments.

High school expenses are anticipated to increase $12,360. Increased high school expenses include: $9,000 severance payable; $5,000 payments to other districts; and $7,911 in payments to Stellher Human Services for their day-treatment program.

Expenses decreased by $18,445, as the school has no large Project Lead the Way expenses planned for 2012-13.

Other budget changes at the high school are due to salary/benefit settlements and staffing reassignments.