Bibb School Board Passes Spending Plan Instead of Budget
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Instead of passing its 2014 budget, the Bibb County School Board approved a spending plan that will expire at the end of July.
The district is trying to dig out of an $18 million deficit. Monday, the board split on a vote to approve a draft budget that would cut several teacher positions and make classroom sizes even larger.
After the board voted 4-4 on approving the draft, board member Jason Downey motioned for a monthly spending resolution to carry the board through until August.
On a 5-3 vote, board members approved that plan.
“For the month of July, we will continue with 1/12th of the 2013 budget for spending, and then we’ll have to come back and either approve a budget or pass another spending resolution for August,” says Downey.
Chief Financial Officer Sharon Roberts revealed the tax digest may be on the rise. That means the district could take in millions more than expected.
Some board members wanted to hire teachers and counselors with that money now, but others wanted to pass the budget now and make changes later.
Other Business
The board met for half an hour behind closed doors after its budget talks and approved two other matters.
Rather than providing interim superintendent Dr. Steve Smith with a $1 million life insurance policy, as his contract states now, Smith will take the cash value of a life insurance policy instead. School district attorney Randy Howard says that is about $11,495 per year.
The board also approved spending $6,000 to settle a legal case involving a student.
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