Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to examine the District’s financial condition for the period of July 1, 2012 through October 31, 2013.

Background

The Brookfield Central School District is located in the Towns of Brookfield, Hamilton and Madison in Madison County, the Towns of Bridgewater and Sangerfield in Oneida County and the Town of Columbus in Chenango County. The District, which is governed by a five-member Board of Education, operates one school with about 230 students. Budgeted appropriations for the 2013-14 fiscal year are $5.9 million.

Key Findings

• The District appropriated fund balance as a funding source in amounts that exceeded the fund balance actually available and spent almost $500,000 more than it received over the past three years.
• The Board did not receive budget-to-actual or budget transfer reports.
• The Board has not developed a multiyear financial plan.

Key Recommendations

• Budget for and maintain a reasonable amount of fund balance.
• Provide the Board with monthly budget status reports.
• Develop and regularly update a multiyear financial plan.