Aug. 7--ATHENS -- Like other entities in Limestone County, the Athens City Board of Education expects the closure of Pilgrim's Pride to hurt its revenue.

On Thursday, the board held a hearing for its $27 million budget for fiscal 2010.

Financial Director Barry Hamilton said he was "very conservative" when estimating sales tax revenue of $3.3 million.

"Our biggest concern is Pilgrim's Pride closing because that takes $25 million in payroll out of circulation," he said. "We projected very little growth in sales tax."

The chicken processing plant is closing in late September or early October. It employs more than 600 workers.

The system will receive $747,163 in stimulus money to use over two years. That will fund a bus, training, supplies, technology, preschool and 18 support staff positions.

Board members asked how it can afford the 18 support staff once the stimulus money runs out.

"That's the $64,000 question," Hamilton said.

The system should end the fiscal 2010 year with $3.39 million, which would be more than a month's worth of operating expenses.

However, school officials expect that number to be less. Hamilton said reports are that Gov. Bob Riley will declare proration of about 6 percent for fiscal 2010.

That amount would mean a $901,274 loss of funds for Athens.

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