County Board approves FY26 budget with significant funding increases for schools and public safety

The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Finance Committee met on April 17, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2026, highlighting significant funding increases for various departments and initiatives.

A key focus of the meeting was the allocation of funds for the local school system. The county plans to contribute a total of $26,370,554, which includes a $1,135,574 increase above the state-mandated local effort of $25,234,980. This represents a 7% increase from the previous year, amounting to an additional $1.7 million for schools.

The Sheriff's Department is also set to receive increased funding, with an operational budget of $17,200,000 for FY '26. This budget reflects an $1,200,000 increase, or 8%, over the prior year. The funds will support various initiatives, including the school resource officer program and the purchase of tactical police equipment.

Public safety funding remains a priority, with a total operational budget of $9,400,000 allocated for the county's public safety department, including E911 services and volunteer fire and rescue agencies. This budget shows an increase of $905,000, or 11%, compared to the previous year. Notably, $1,400,000 is earmarked for a new CAD system replacement, and $1,900,000 for upgrading the radio communication tower.

The Community Development Department will see a budget increase to $750,000, which is a 17% rise from the previous year. This funding will support new positions and the updating of the county's comprehensive plan, which has not been reviewed since 2010.

Additionally, the budget includes a 3% cost of living increase for all county employees, aligning with state budget provisions. The operational budgets for the water and sewer fund and the solid waste fund were also discussed, with significant projects planned for the coming years.

Overall, the proposed budget reflects a commitment to enhancing public services and infrastructure in Pittsylvania County, with a total capital commitment of $15,200,000 anticipated for various projects. The committee's discussions indicate a proactive approach to addressing the county's growth and development needs.