Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to assess the School District’s financial condition for the period July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013.

Background

The Hunter-Tannersville Central School District is located in Greene County and is governed by the Board of Education, which comprises five elected members. The District’s budgeted expenditures for the 2013-14 fiscal year were $13.9 million.

Key Findings

• From fiscal years 2010-11 through 2012-13, the District’s unrestricted, unappropriated fund balance has exceeded the 4 percent statutory limit. However, the District’s fund balance has declined as a result of planned operating deficits and appropriating fund balance to finance the planned deficits.
• The continued appropriation of fund balance will deplete it, and District officials will have to identify other revenue sources to fund future budgets.
• The Board has not adopted a multiyear financial plan to allow it to effectively manage its future finances.

Key Recommendations

• Ensure that the amount of the District’s unrestricted unappropriated fund balance is in compliance with Real Property Tax statutory limits.
• Closely monitor the District’s use of unrestricted unappropriated fund balance to ensure that action is taken, if necessary, to identify the use of other funding sources for District operations if these moneys are no longer available, or adjust appropriations accordingly.
• Develop a comprehensive multiyear financial plan to establish long-term objectives for funding long-term needs.