Budget totals $27.8 million

BEAUFORT The County Board of Education delayed action Monday on a proposed $27.8 million local budget thats 28 percent more than the current year, largely to meet unfunded state mandates.

That amount includes $22.8 million for operations and $5 million for capital.

The board will resume talks Tuesday during its regular meeting, allowing more time to get questions answered on the operations budget. The board didnt discuss the capital side of the budget Monday because members had previously agreed on the capital request at an earlier meeting.

Once the school board approves its total request, the proposed budget has to go to county commissioners for funding approval. The county board had asked the educators to submit their request Thursday, but Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey said he planned to contact County Manager Russell Overman to inform him of the delay.

The 28 percent increase concerned school board member Mark Mansfield.

If it comes to a 2-cent tax increase, will they do that? he asked during the special meeting held in the school systems central office on Safrit Drive.

Board member Cathy Neagle replied, Will they cut services or stay with a good school system? Our overall goal here is to maintain the same level of programs.

State and federal money also make up the school systems budget, but totals wont be available until later in the year after the General Assembly convenes. The current years budget total is $73.2 million for the combined funding of federal, state and county funds.

Of the proposed $22.8 million for operations, $22 million would come from the county. Thats 17 percent more than the $18.8 million appropriated this fiscal year. The fiscal year starts July 1.

The remaining amount comes from fines and forfeitures, sales tax reimbursements, tuition, fees and other sources.

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Budget totals $27.8 million