The Demopolis City Schools system plans to start fiscal year 2013 with $10.5 million in the bank. After that, the system expects to spend $19.7 million, while bringing in $18.6 million in revenue.

Those numbers were discussed during a budget proposal meeting Wednesday at the system’s central office.

The system will spend more this year because they are paying for more units with local dollars, according to chief financial officer Evelyn James.

Still, the system projects to finish next year with a balance of $9.4 million.

“We want to prepare the budget that will be serve the students for this school year,” James said.

The numbers could change and are subject to approval from the Demopolis BOE and the state. The meeting Wednesday was to seek public input on the budgeting process. A second similar meeting will be held Sept. 10.

The largest portion of school revenues (65 percent) come from the state. Local revenues, which are mostly taxes, will make up 22 percent.

As far as expense, 57 percent will go toward instructional services, which includes teacher’s salaries.

The school board plans to vote on the budget prior to it being sent to the state on Sept. 15. After state approval, amendments to the budget can be made in January.

James led the meeting as she navigated attendees through a powerpoint presentation, which outlined expected revenue and expenses.

“We host the meetings that are open to the public so that we can have the chance to get input and make any changes needed before we send the budget off to the state,” she said.

In addition, in adherence to Act 97-624, passed by the state, each local board of education has to hold at least two open public hearings pertaining to its proposed annual budget.

The next meeting will be held at the Demopolis Board of Education on Sept. 10 at 5 p.m.