Greenport Union Free School District – Financial Condition (2014M-203)

Issued Date
September 05, 2014

Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to examine the District’s financial condition for the period July 1, 2012 through March 31, 2014.

Background

The Greenport Union Free School District is located in the Village of Greenport in Suffolk County and is governed by an elected five-member Board of Education. The District operates one school with approximately 645 students. Budgeted general fund appropriations for the 2013-14 fiscal year totaled approximately $15.5 million.

Key Findings

  • For fiscal years 2010-11 through 2012-13, District officials overestimated appropriations by approximately $3.3 million and did not use more than $789,000 of appropriated fund balance.
  • The District’s unused appropriated fund balance exceeded the statutory limit for fiscal years 2011-12 and 2012-13.

Key Recommendations

  • Develop and adopt budgets that include realistic estimates for revenues and appropriations and that do not result in the appropriation of unexpended surplus funds that will not be used.
  • Ensure that the District’s unexpended surplus fund balance is in compliance with statutory limits and develop a plan to reduce the surplus in a manner that benefits District taxpayers.