Board authorizes transfers from surplus for repairs and equipment, including driveway paving and locker replacement

The Regional School District 12 board reviewed year-end finances and approved transfers from surplus to cover several facility and equipment needs.

Treasurer Nicole reported that, after encumbrances, about 6.91% of the budget remained as of May 31. She presented eight proposed expenditures that the finance committee recommended for funding from available surplus, including: paving the lower Chipog driveway (bid estimate cited at $88,312), repairs/replacement of competitive swim starting blocks ($29,817.70), pool handrails ($8,156.56), Washington Primary locker replacement (recent bid cited near $81,000), warmer cabinets and insulated food carriers for elementary schools, three outdoor bleachers ($20,545.77) and a 2% transfer to the educational reserve fund.

Board members asked whether delaying projects would simply shift the expense into next year; Treasurer Nicole explained two items were on the 10-year plan and the transfers accelerate work that had been scheduled. A motion to authorize transfers up to the requested amount was made and, following a voice vote, the chair said, "It passes."

The treasurer projected the district would still return funds to towns at year end and cautioned numbers could firm up over the final month of the fiscal year.