A regular financial audit of Holt Public Schools drew both praises from the public as well as questions and concerns from board members.
Plante Moran certified public accountants Michael Foster and Tiffany Stacey presented their financial audit to the school board at its Oct. 1 meeting.
One detail in Stacey’s presentation was the number that Holt schools pays in both pension payments and other post-employment benefits, also known as OPEB. The audit included a pension liability of $92.8 million and an OPEB liability of $31.7 million.
Board Treasurer Ben Bakken raised concerns after Stacey spoke over how the pension and OPEB liabilities were planned to be paid out.
“Years ago, I would hear this topic discussed and it was, ‘Yeah, it’s a big negative number, but it’s not a bill on your desk,’” Bakken said. “But it’s a very real number.”
Foster said there is not a short-term fix to the retirement cost liability.
“(The deficit) isn’t going to go away without significant funding from the districts,” Foster said.
She said many school districts show similar pension and retirement-related liabilities.
Matt Schmucker
Plante Moran CPA Michael Foster speaks about Holt Public Schools’ financial audit at its Oct. 1 school board meeting. The audit’s financial statement was given an “unmodified opinion,” the highest assurance that a CPA can give a financial statement.
In looking at the audit more broadly, Stacey’s presentation also said total revenue increased by $100,000 more than the total expenditures increased. Salaries and benefits take up a consistent portion of those expenditures, 83 percent this year and 81 percent last year.
Blake Kirk, a 23-year Holt resident, spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, and took some of his time to express his optimism in the board.
“I’m an accountant by occupation,” Kirk said. “And for me to hear the CPA report tonight was very encouraging…. I want to give you kudos. I think (in) that part of your job, you have done an outstanding job.”