State budget sends $427,457 for one‑time staff bonuses; Amherst plans June payments

Amherst County School District finance officials told the board the governor signed the state budget amendment that provides $427,457 to the district for one‑time $1,000 bonuses for Standards of Quality (SOQ)‑funded full‑time equivalents (FTEs).

Finance Director Miss Licottage said the district will present a supplemental appropriation and a budget transfer next month to allocate the funds and cover non‑SOQ positions. Staff stated an intent to issue bonus payments on the June payroll and to prorate bonuses for part‑time employees.

The finance presentation noted several ledger items of interest: professional services expenditures increased because the district advanced contracted direct services pending Medicaid reimbursement, and other line items such as grounds and transportation showed pressure from higher costs. Licottage said revenue timing and pending Medicaid reimbursements could allow the district to absorb some variance; if state bonus funds arrive quickly staff will appropriate them in June.

Ending: Staff will bring a supplemental appropriation and budget transfer to the June meeting and intends to issue the $1,000 bonuses to SOQ‑funded employees on the June payroll, while working to identify local funding sources for non‑SOQ employees eligible for similar payments.