The Surveyor

The public will have an opportunity to give their feedback on the proposed Thompson School District’s 2016-2017 budget through two forums starting this week.

The first forum will be at Berthoud High School on Thursday, May 26 from 6-7 p.m. The second forum will be held at the District Administrative Offices in Loveland, located at 800 South Taft Avenue, on Tuesday, May 31, also from 6-7 p.m.

These forums will provide an updated to the proposed budget as well as providing an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the complicated budget process.

Gordon Jones, the district’s chief financial officer, presented the official proposed budget to the Board of Education at its May 18 meeting.

“This is the document that will be put forth to the public for their consideration,” Jones told the board at its May 18 meeting.

The proposed budget includes expenditures totaling $135.2 million with expected revenues of about $129.9 million. The proposed budget is an increase of roughly $4.3 million from the current year’s budget but the final number won’t be known until later this year when the annual audit is complete. As well, revenues are expected to increase by nearly $3.5 million; however, the proposed budget lists a $5.3 million transfer from the district savings.

The district’s general fund balance projected at the end of this current school year is $19.6 million, and would decrease to approximately $14.3 million next year to cover the added expenses.

At this point the numbers still could change slightly, Jones said, adding that even through Jan. 31, 2017 the board still has the authority to amend the budget as needed.

Detailed information on the 2016-2017 proposed budget can be found online at Thompsonschools.org under the “2016-17 Proposed Budget Information” link within the “District Spotlight” section on the home page.

A public discussion will be held at the June 1 Board of Education meeting. Adoption of the budget is scheduled for the BOE’s June 15 meeting.