Story and Video submitted by Marshfield Community Member - Brandon Taylor
Marshfield, Wis. — School board members reviewed and approved a budget amendment Wednesday after the district received a higher-than-expected allocation from the state’s common school fund, officials said.
The district received $362,887 from the state, about $13,000 more than originally budgeted. The common school fund allocation, distributed annually by the state, is restricted to library books and instructional media.
Administrators said the district intentionally budgets conservatively for the allocation each year until the final figure is released in January. Once the final amount is confirmed, the board adjusts the budget to reflect the actual revenue.
In addition to the allocation increase, officials approved a $4,050 revenue adjustment to balance expenditures and revenues within the fund. Expenditures were projected to exceed revenue by that amount, and the board increased general fund interest earnings revenue to offset the difference.
District officials said interest earnings have performed better than expected. The district budgeted $431,000 in interest income at the beginning of the fiscal year and is on pace to exceed that figure, with approximately $249,687 collected at the halfway point.
Administrators said they opted for a modest increase rather than recognizing a significantly higher amount to guard against potential fluctuations in interest rates later in the year.
The board also reviewed a list of service contracts, supplies and materials vendors used by the district. Officials said the list is intended to provide greater transparency about vendors and is reviewed annually to remove companies no longer in use and add new ones as needed.
Snow removal services are currently split among multiple vendors due to capacity issues after a previous contractor ceased operations. District staff also perform some sidewalk salting and related work.
Board members reviewed a financial variance report through the end of January showing the district had expended 42.9% of its budget, compared with 44.28% at the same point last year.
Heating costs are up about $13,440 compared with the same time last year, while electricity costs are down approximately $32,696 year over year. Officials attributed the decrease in electricity costs in part to lighting upgrades in district buildings and reduced building usage during certain periods.
The district is scheduled to make a $456,834 lease payment March 15 as part of its iPad lease agreement. Officials said the district plans to use buyback funds for the first payment and budgeted funds for the second payment due July 15, 2026. Administrators said paying ahead provides financial flexibility in future years if unexpected expenses arise.
Officials noted that districts statewide are facing fiscal challenges. Some neighboring districts have proposed referendums to address budget shortfalls.
The board adjourned after discussing future budget planning and potential state legislation related to school funding and property tax relief.