WSD Finance Committee Meeting, July 17, 2026

The Tosa Schools Finance and Resource Committee met July 17, 2026. The committee reviewed a preliminary solar proposal for six district buildings, including estimated first-year production savings of about $232,000, a conservative project budget, Focus on Energy incentives, and potential federal tax credits of up to 60%; the presenters noted the credits are scheduled to end after December 31, 2027. No solar purchase or contract was approved. Committee members supported further work and requested a more detailed plan, including side-by-side cash-financing and borrowing scenarios and an analysis of the effect on cash flow. Staff will provide an update in August, with a possible presentation to the full board in September. The committee also discussed potential chillers at Washington and West High School using referendum-related savings or interest earnings, but made no decision to expand the projects.

For urgent work at Whitman Middle School, staff reported failed interior foundation drainage and a rough construction estimate of about $175,000, with a proposed contingency and a possible $300,000 phase-one budget; additional exterior work could bring the overall project to roughly $750,000. The committee voted to endorse immediate phase-one foundation repairs under purchasing policy 6320, with further consideration by the full board in August; the motion did not specify a dollar limit. Staff also reported a $187,000 prior water-remediation bill and a pending insurance claim. Separately, the committee voted to advance a resolution creating Fund 46 to the full board. June financials were projected to add about $500,000 to fund balance. HR noted that use of a staffing agency for vacancies may be considered, but no contracting action was taken.