Milford BOE Tackles $400k Natural Gas Budget Deficit

MILFORD, CT — The Board of Education voted to transfer $207,000 in frozen funds to partially cover a deficit caused by the expensive cost of natural gas, which is used to heat school buildings.

The district expects about a total $400,000 deficit in its natural gas budget, Milford Public Schools Chief Operating Officer James Richetelli said at a Board of Education meeting. Another transfer will be required before the end of the fiscal year.

School administrators anticipated a shortage and froze about $207,000 in funds in two other purchase accounts, Richetelli said. Schools were asked to delay certain purchases until next year.

The high cost of natural gas affects the price of other goods and services too, including electrical costs. The Board of Education built the increased costs into next year’s budget request.

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