Bay County School Board Looks at Budget
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Updated: 8:45 PM Jun 24, 2009
Bay County School Board Looks at Budget
The Bay District school system has received stimulus money, closed area schools and cut positions. But, during Wednesday's budget workshop, school board members bluntly said that might not be enough.
Posted: 8:45 PM Jun 24, 2009
Email Address: news@wjhg.com

Bay County Schools Look At Another Budget Shortfall
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There is still some uncertainty with the school board's budget for the next fiscal year. But, school board members heard Wednesday that they are dealing with at least a $1,000,000 shortfall. And that's without the property tax numbers coming in, which they say could be lower than anticipated; they just don't know how low.

It could mean as much as a $2,000,000 reduction in revenue, on top of the $1.2 million they absolutely need. Bay County schools Superintendent Bill Husfelt says he has some ideas on how to close the gap. But, school board members brainstormed about some other ways to get revenue, and that conversation focused heavily on taxes.

Husfelt says, "I would much rather go back to the folks of Bay County and say, 'Look, we don't want to go up on the millage but we don't have any choice and the only other option we have is a half cent sales tax.' And at some point, we're going to have to bring that back up."

Bay County School Board member Donna Allen says, "We are there now. Either it's half-cent sales tax or it's the millage rate. And there's not much more of a choice to take care of your forty-two plus buildings for your students to be educated in."

Husfelt says, "I'm not twisting anybody's arm. I'm just telling you, we have to do certain things with these buildings. You decide how you want us to pay for it."

The numbers are still coming in, and board members say they need more information before they can make any decisions. But, last year's cuts are set in stone and that means there are more than 100 less positions in district-level offices. And Superintendent Husfelt said the board estimates it has let go between 50 and 70 annual contract teachers, who will not have jobs next year.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Fed Up Location: PC on Jun 25, 2009 at 08:41 AM

I believe an outside, independent audit is called for here. This Board consistently runs over budget, year after year. Even in the good times, before the "bubble" burst, they were still whining about lack of funds. So one of two things must be true: There is either gross mismanagement or frivilous spending practices involved here. The Pres says everyone must learn to do more with less. Tighten your belts School Board, it's going to be a rough ride.
Posted by: S Location: Panama City on Jun 24, 2009 at 10:47 PM

Well, I don't agree with either option. I don't have any kids or grand kids in school, so I don't think I should be paying for someone else's kid to go to school.
Posted by: Donald Location: Panama City on Jun 24, 2009 at 09:56 PM

I would be willing to support the School board in their efforts to get more money, if they would be willing to extend the school year by one month, and institute mandatory, gradeable, homework assignments in an effort to ensure that our children receive a more proper, and better education. I am not, however, willing to spend another dime of my money to support things like pottery classes, sensitivity training, and green awareness.
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