McHenry Times

Community Unit School District 300 Board Finance Committee met Aug. 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Members present

Leslie LaMarca, David Scarpino, Nancy Zettler, Susan Harkin, Fred Heid, Jason Emricson, Jennifer Porter, Dan Opels, Diane White, Eberto Mora, Joe Schumacher, and Mike Williamson

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m.

1. 1. Pledge of Allegiance

2. Approval of previous meeting minutes

June 9, 2020, minutes were approved as presented.

3. Public Participation

Mr. Mike Tennis stated after he reviewed the June Treasurers Report and tentative budget, he had a question regarding the Capital expenses for 2019-2020, which exceeded the budget and as to whether this was due to construction occurring ahead of time (when schools were closed due to Covid-19). Ms. Harkin confirmed that capital projects were started earlier, which resulted in higher expenses. However, capital projects overlap annual budgets. All bids were under budget.

4. Discussion Items

4. 1. Disposal Items

Ms. White reviewed the disposal report. The report will be brought to the Board for approval.

4. 2. Treasurer's Report

Ms. Harkin presented the Treasurer's Report and provided an overall update of financials. The education budget was under due to various items affected by COVID-19. She highlighted again the capital budgets exceeding the budget, which is timing related. Revenue funds were under budget due to Kane County delayed tax payments for taxpayers. We are expecting to be under budget for expense, and revenues should be on target. Final numbers will be available upon completion of the audit.

4. 3. Insurance Open Enrollment Software RFP

Ms. Harkin updated the committee on the process currently being used to secure software to assist employees with open enrollment for insurance. The software is free. However, the vendor will also provide employees with 1:1 recommendations as to which program would best meet their personal needs. The vendor will also be able to offer employees other types of services/insurance that would be at the employee's cost. We are still evaluating the proposals received and will bring a recommendation to the board at the August 25th board meeting.

4. 4. Temporary Storage Facility Contract

Ms. Harkin reviewed the temporary storage facility contract, which is needed due to COVID19 and social distancing guidelines for our buildings. During our process to ready our buildings for in-person instruction, we have had to remove furniture from the buildings to provide more space in the classrooms. The district does not have enough warehouse space to house these items appropriately. The contract is for a one year rental of storage space and is located within the school district boundaries. Only district items will be stored in these facilities. The contract will be brought to the board for approval.

4. 5. 2020-2021 Tentative Budget & Public Hearing Notice

Ms. Harkin presented the tentative budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The tentative budget will be presented at this evening board meeting and will be made available for public review. Ms. Harkin explained the assumptions used for the revenues and expense, budget requests. Ms. Harkin also informed the committee that we have set up a separate fund to track COVID expenses.

The Operating Fund is projected surplus is estimated at 1.5M. Other highlights of the presentation included operating expenses per pupil vs. the state average, which D300 continues to be under, operating expense per pupil vs. Kane County Districts, D300 is the second-lowest, Kane County tax rate by the school district, D300 has the third-lowest. The public hearing is scheduled to be held on September 22, 2020. The recommendation to approve the budget will be brought to the board at this time.

5. Announcements

The next Board Finance Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, at 4:30 p.m.

6. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.

https://meetings.boardbook.org/Documents/CustomMinutesForMeeting/1453?meeting=354286