Future capital projects in the Warren County School District took a step toward major funding Monday evening.
In a 9-1 vote, the board of directors' voted to transfer $1 million from the district's general fund to a capital projects fund. Board Member Jeff Lockett cast the only vote against the measure.
Business Administrator Petter Turnquist explained the projects fund had been inactive the past couple of years and contained no balance.
Lockett expressed concern that the board was going outside of the budget process and the action would not give a true picture of the district's finances.
However, since Lockett said he understood the rationale, he made a motion to amend the amount to $250,000.
Director of Buildings and Grounds Dr. Norbert Kennerknecht said he did not wish to see the motion changed.
Things are changing rapidly, Kennerknecht said, and it would be wiser to set aside money now.
The district must pay 80 percent of the architect's fee before any capital projects construction, Kennerknecht said, and also has to pay for any educational specifications, printing and advertising costs as well as a water test for Eisenhower Middle/High School.
Board Member Kim Angove asked if the district would spend up to $1 million before the budget process begins in July.
Kennerknecht said it would depend on the will of the board and if it would like to start multiple projects.
If he has the cash in hand, Kennerknecht said he knows how to expedite the process of the projects.
Board members have shown it is committed to capital projects by vote, Lockett said, but should also show themselves to be prudent caretakers of taxpayers' money which means putting spending through the due diligence of a budget process.
Board Member Tom Knapp offered to compromise by changing the amount to $500,000 which he said he didn't see the board spending or hurting the budget process.
Board Member Jack Werner asked if that amount would get the district by.
Kennerknecht said it would carry them to July 1 if they do one project at a time.
Board President Arthur Stewart said the board should order its affairs for large construction projects.
The board is not spending several million dollars, Stewart said, but is sending the signal as it formulates a budget to segregate money.
Delaying moving money to the projects fund would give a better idea if a tax increase is necessary, Lockett said, and would give the board a better idea of how much it should put in the fund at that time.
Lockett and Knapp's amendments were voted down and the board approved the original $1 million transfer.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 12 at Warren County Career Center.