Jordan-Elbridge Central School District – Financial Condition Management (2017M-241)

Issued Date
January 26, 2018

Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to determine whether the Board and District officials adequately managed the District's financial condition for the period July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2017.

Background

The Jordan-Elbridge Central School District is located in the Towns of Brutus and Sennett in Cayuga County and the Towns of Camillus, Elbridge, Lysander, Skaneateles and Van Buren in Onondaga County. The District, which has approximately 1,320 students, had general fund budgeted appropriations for the 2016-17 fiscal year totaling approximately $29 million.

Key Findings

  • The Board has maintained general fund unrestricted fund balance close to the 4 percent statutory limit.
  • The District retained an annual average of $983,978 in the debt service fund over the past four years without using this money for debt payments.
  • The Board has not adopted comprehensive multiyear financial or capital plans.

Key Recommendations

  • Closely monitor unrestricted fund balance and reserve fund balances to ensure they do not accumulate to excessive levels.
  • Use money in the debt service fund to pay related debt service expenditures in compliance with statutory requirements.
  • Develop and adopt comprehensive multiyear financial and capital plans.