Policy 5512

FISCAL ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING
5512 RESERVE FUNDS


Reserve funds (essentially a legally authorized savings account designated for a specific purpose) are an important component in the District's financial planning for future projects, acquisitions, and other lawful purposes. The District may establish and maintain reserve funds in accordance with New York State laws, Commissioner's regulations, and the rules or opinions issued by the Office of the New York State Comptroller. The District will comply with the reporting requirements of Article 3 of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) issued GASB Statement Number 54, Fund Balance Reporting and Governmental Fund Type Definitions.

Any and all District reserve funds will be properly established and maintained to promote the goals of creating an open, transparent, and accountable use of public funds. The District will authorize all payments or transfers into a reserve fund by express resolution. The District may engage independent experts and professionals, including, but not limited to, auditors, accountants, and other financial and legal counsel to monitor all reserve fund activity and prepare any and all reports that the Board may require.

Periodic Review and Annual Report 


The Board will periodically review all reserve funds. The District will also prepare and submit an annual report of all reserve funds to the Board. The annual report will include the following information for each reserve fund:

a) The type and description of the reserve fund;
b) The date the reserve fund was established and the amount of each sum paid into the fund;
c) The interest earned by the reserve fund;
d) Capital gains or losses resulting from the sale of investments of the reserve fund;
e) The total amount and date of each withdrawal from the reserve fund; 
f) The total assets of the reserve fund showing cash balance and a schedule of investments; and
g) An analysis of the projected needs for the reserve fund in the upcoming fiscal year and a recommendation regarding funding those projected needs.

The Board will utilize the information in the annual report to make necessary decisions to adequately maintain and manage the District's reserve fund balances while mindful of its role and responsibility as a fiduciary of public funds. 


Policy References:

Education Law § 3653

Adopted: 6/22/99
Revised: 9/6/22

Policy 5512