Colorado § 22-44-115 - No obligation in excess of appropriation.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 22-44-115 — No obligation in excess of appropriation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-44-115. No obligation in excess of appropriation.
(1) A board of education of a school district shall not expend any moneys in excess of the amount appropriated by resolution for a particular fund.
(2) Repealed.
(3) Except as provided otherwise by this section, any obligation of a contract, verbal or written, which requires expenditures contrary to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall be void, and no school district moneys shall be paid thereon.
(4) Notwithstanding any provisions of this section to the contrary, the board of education of a school district may enter into a contract for administrative services with a term not to exceed five years, for capital outlay purposes in accordance with articles 32, 42, 43, and 45 of this title, or for the purchase of real property by local college districts in accordance with section 23-71-122 (1)(c), C.R.S. Such a contract shall be valid and enforceable between parties to the contract. The provisions of this subsection (4) shall be subject to annual appropriation by the general assembly, the board of education, or the governing board.
Source: L. 64: p. 624, § 15. C.R.S. 1963: § 123-32-15. L. 67: p. 797, § 1. L. 75: (1) and (3) amended and (2) repealed, pp. 707, 708, §§ 5, 10, effective July 14; (4) amended, p. 1269, § 2, effective July 1. L. 83: (4) amended, p. 820, § 1, effective July 1. L. 85: (4) amended, p. 734, § 5, effective May 31.
ANNOTATION
The guiding policy behind the statutes regarding school district funding is that of the prevention of deficit spending. DAEOP v. Sch. Dist. No. 1, 972 P.2d 1047 (Colo. App. 1998).
Districts are not prohibited from adopting a contract or policy with fiscal implications over several years, however, districts are prevented from deficit spending by entering into contracts that are not modifiable in subsequent years. Because district's policy created a conditional promise or commitment to provide early retirement benefits, the promise was binding, subject to availability of adequate appropriated funds. Shaw v. Sargent Sch. Dist. No. RE-33-J, 21 P.3d 446 (Colo. App. 2001).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 22-44-115
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 22-44-115 cover?
Section 22-44-115 ("No obligation in excess of appropriation.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 22-44-115?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 22-44-115" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 22-44-115 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.