I would like to take this opportunity to respond to the story headlined, “Auditors warn Montezuma schools” (Herald, July 15.) The article noted the Bayfield School District had one “red flag” in the State Auditor’s Fiscal Health Report, which related to our bond fund bringing in less income than our annual debt service.
The article did not mention the district has an adequate bond fund balance to sustain our long-term forecast for debt service, nor did it mention that in the 2011-12 fiscal year, the district made planned early debt retirement payments ($1.16 million), which accounted for a larger debt fund expenditure than usual.
During the last couple of years and leading up to our successful bond election last fall, the district has been very thoughtful in its long-term debt planning. Along with support from the taxpayers, this enabled the district to issue more than $12 million in new bonds to pay for a new auxiliary gymnasium, performing arts center and varsity baseball field, without raising property tax rates.
Please call me at 884-2496 if you have any questions.
Amy Lyons, director of finance Bayfield School District
Bayfield
