Capital funds for CCS may double in coming year

CORNWALL — With a current balance of $72,042 in funds set aside annually for capital projects, and an expected significant budget surplus, the Cornwall Consolidated School Board of Education has outlined maintenance projects they wish to undertake now, and in the coming five years. Members of the school board presented their spending plan to the Board of Finance for discussion and review April 14. It included doubling the annual $40,000 school capital projects line in the town budget in the future.The school board unveiled two spending agendas, one utilizing at least some of the surplus from the current operating budget. Because the school budget is a line item in the town budget, the school board cannot carry over any unused surplus to the next fiscal year. The funds must be spent in the current year or returned to the town general fund. The surplus was at $64,000 in mid-April, but is likely to drop before the end of the fiscal year.While the subject of surplus funds has been a matter of debate in some area towns over the years, finance board Chairman Ralph Gold told The Lakeville Journal that that money was allotted by town meeting vote for education. Unlike the town budget, the school can move funds between line items and spend as needed without any further vote, no matter how much is transferred.“The only time there needs to be a vote on the school budget is if spending exceeds the bottom line,” Gold said. “That has happened only once in my 25 years on the board.”The school board plans to use the surplus money for several immediate needs, such as the extermination of ants, tree removal and supplies for the coming year. Of greatest concern is the waterlogged north wall, which has been soaked as a result of ice damage over the winter. Along with extraction of soggy beaverboard, the school board advised an improved gutter system and new insulation. The cost of the project is expected to be $20,000. Repairs to the gathering room floor, and a resolution to avoid future ice damage are also focal points. The five-year capital spending plan for the school is similar to the capital plan that is revised annually by the selectmen. The plan was requested by the finance board.At its April 12 meeting, the school board looked at needs through 2016 that include technology hardware, electrical upgrades, a new boiler, more insulation, bathroom renovations, a septic system overhaul, new flooring and window replacement. Gold said the annual increase to $80,000 appears reasonable.“There are not a lot of specific numbers on some things because they just don’t know at this point what the cost would be. But it’s pretty obvious having that amount of money available is the right way to go.”The capital plan will not be part of budget considerations for the coming year. The finance board looks at five-year plans in the fall, and sends a recommendation to the annual town meeting for a vote there. Gold said they are looking at the school’s plan now because it was submitted now, but there is no hurry to approve it.According to Gold, the $72,042 balance, plus the $40,000 in this budget and surplus funds should be enough to cover capital spending needs for about two years.