10/17/17 – 5:08 A.M.

The Findlay City School district is looking to pare back spending where they can, but are still looking at a deficit in the future. The Courier reports the school board outlined their latest five-year forecast during a Monday night meeting. The forecast shows improved numbers, but anticipates a deficit starting in fiscal year 2021.

With that in mind, board members said they may have to consider a levy in the next few years. Board President Shane Pochard said, “I think we need to look at getting our own house in order before we would ever go back to the voters and ask for more money.”

The latest forecast assumes that the district won’t replace staff who retire or leave for another job. It also assumes the district will pay for textbook costs with permanent improvement funds.

The new forecast shows a positive cash balance through 2020. The previous forecast showed a deficit of more than $1 million at that point. Deficits start in 2021 at more than $3 million. That’s down from a projected $17 million deficit.

MORE: The Courier