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Volume 55, No. 2
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CHESTERLAND NEWS Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Your Community Newspaper Since 1967
Flat Five-Year Forecast Projected for West G By Brian Doering brian@karlovecmedia.com West Geauga Schools’ revenue is projected to stay flat over the next five years while expenditures continue to climb by 4% to 5%, said Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Karen Pavlat May 22. Pavlat presented an update of the district’s five-year forecast originally unveiled back in November to West Geauga Schools Board of Education members. “Total revenue is expected to grow by less than 1% over the next five years. We don’t see any additional growth,” Pavlat said. “We are seeing a 4% to 5% increase, particularly in supplies. We did have a shortfall in the public utilities tax — we’ve talked about that before — a $1.3 million shortfall for this year, but we will collect that again next year so that is not going to affect us from a cash flow standpoint. It’s just effecting us
in a fiscal year standpoint.” Public utility collections are down $1.2 million in fiscal year 2023 due to two large public utility delinquencies, according to Pavlat’s forecast. “We are looking at a deficit. We thought in November we’d be at a break-even, but with that deficit in the public utilities, we will have a deficit spending for this year,” Pavlat said. “Next year, it will look a little bit better than we had anticipated because that money will go over.” Enhancements for additional security personnel and counseling services, which cost an additional $600,000 annually, will significantly impact the district’s operating budget and cash reserves, potentially expediting previously anticipated levy timing, according to the forecast. “We are looking at areas where we are going to modify the budget — we are looking at attrition,” Pavlat
Upcoming Public Library Events SCREENSHOT
Local and state revenue continue to be flat, according to West Geauga Schools Treasurer Karen Pavlat’s five-year forecast presentation May 22.
said. “We’ve put together a game plan over the next two years to try to see what we can do to offset some of that $600,000 additional cost.” Pavlat said costs associated with security items such as the public address system would not be included. “This is the operational cost go-
ing forward for personnel,” Pavlat said. Cash balances are projected to be positive through June 30 of 2027, but an operating levy would be needed by year 2027 to maintain financial stability due to deficit spending, she said, adding the $2.4 million emergency levy will also See Finances • Page 6
Dedication Ceremony at West Geauga Commons Staff Report Trustees of the West Geauga Joint Recreation District will pay tribute to three former board officers whose service to the community will long be remembered. The ceremony will take place June 24, at 1 p.m., at West Geauga Commons, 14070 Chillicothe Road, Russell Township. Patricia Jasco, who passed away in 2020, was a resident of Chester Township and one of the original board members of the West Geauga Joint Recreational District. Also known as “Miss Pat,” of Miss Pat’s Child Care in Chester Township, she was instrumental in helping to form the governing board and initiate the early stages of development of the West Geauga Commons. Jasco became board president and her leadership would continue until 2005. Her efforts helped create a safe place for children and adults to actively pursue sports and recreation in a natural environment. She left a lasting legacy to the community and the families that have used the recre-
SUBMITTED
The Pavilion at West Geauga Commons will be dedicated to the memory and the service of Patricia Jasco, an original board member and former president of the West Geauga Joint Recreational District.
ational facilities for the last 36 years. The Pavilion at the Commons will be dedicated to her memory and the service that she provided to so many.
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In addition, a memorial garden has been created east of the main soccer field, with park benches, that will be dedicated to Walt Waetjen and Bernie Mandel.
Waetjen took over the president’s role in 2005 after also serving as a board member. He led the board of trustees until the time of his passing in 2019. Waetjen’s time in office saw continued growth and expansion of the Commons and its facilities. He was a Russell resident and active in the community. He also was involved in coaching before his days on the board. Waetjen had been retired from Transtar Industries, where he was employed in sales. Mandel was a board member and served as vice president for many years until the time of his passing in 2022. He provided counsel as an attorney, but he was active over the years in soccer and a tireless advocate in support of all youth sports activities in the West Geauga Schools community. All are welcome to attend the dedication on June 24 and are encouraged to visit the Commons and see how these three remarkable community residents made a contribution for all to enjoy.
13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township, 440-729-4250. Registration is required unless otherwise noted. Visit www.GeaugaLibrary.net.
Summer Reading
June 1 – July 31 Register for the Summer Reading Program and win prizes by reading.
Estate Planning
June 8, 2-3 p.m. • Geauga West Learn the benefits of estate planning for charitable and religious organizations while avoiding probate, as well as the foundational estate planning tools everyone should have in place.
Cool Creations
June 12, 3-4 p.m. Make a trendy craft for friends and family.
Book Group
June 13, 6:30 p.m. Discuss “A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting” by Sophie Irwin. No registration is required.
Horse Tales
June 14, 1-3 p.m. • Offsite Spend summer in style with help from the library and Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center, 16497 Snyder Road, Bainbridge Township, by practicing reading skills in a fun, non-judgmental environment by reading to a horse on their farm.
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