Roanoke County approves employee bonuses and school resource officer funding

The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors convened on June 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM to discuss several key ordinances impacting employee compensation and public safety funding. The meeting began with a focus on employee bonuses, followed by discussions on school funding and law enforcement resources.

The first item on the agenda was an ordinance authorizing employee bonuses totaling $1,082,191. County Administrator Richard L. Caywood presented the ordinance, explaining that it would provide a 1.5% bonus for all county employees, funded partially by reimbursements from the Commonwealth of Virginia. The board unanimously approved the first reading and scheduled a second reading for June 24, 2025.

Next, Susan Peterson, Director of Finance for Roanoke County Public Schools, addressed the board regarding an ordinance appropriating $1,514,496 for employee bonuses from the Commonwealth. This funding, already received by the school board, is intended for distribution to employees by June 30. Peterson also requested a transfer of $1,000,000 within the school budget to bolster health insurance reserves. The board approved the amended ordinance and scheduled a second reading for the same date.

The meeting continued with Assistant Chief of Police Mark Tuck presenting an ordinance to accept and appropriate $328,811 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice for eight school resource officers (SROs). Tuck noted that this grant is in its third year and that recruitment efforts are ongoing to fill the positions. The board approved the first reading and set a second reading for June 24.

Tuck also presented a second ordinance for an additional grant of $322,675 for SROs, which has been fully allocated. The board expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing safety resources in schools. This ordinance was also approved for a second reading on June 24.

Finally, Michael Gallaher, Clerk of the Circuit Court, introduced an ordinance to appropriate $48,272 from the Commonwealth for the Clerk's office, which includes adding one deputy clerk position to the compensation plan. The board agreed to schedule a second reading for this ordinance as well.

In summary, the meeting highlighted significant financial decisions aimed at enhancing employee compensation and public safety resources, with all proposed ordinances set for further discussion on June 24, 2025.