Boone County Schools Struggle to Pay Bills

Boone County School officials say paychecks could be delayed for employees if legislation doesn’t pass that would give the district an extra $2.2 million to address funding shortfalls caused by a drop in local property tax collections. State lawmakers left town Thursday for a 10-day break after approving a budget that faces a veto from the governor. The Gazette-Mail reports the checks workers should receive June 24 may have to be postponed without the supplemental appropriation. The district has already deferred payments owed to companies for items like supplies in an effort to save money. Superintendent John Hudson says the budget crisis stems largely from the bankruptcies of Alpha Natural Resources and Patriot Coal.