Commonwealth's Attorney's Office secures funding for new prosecutor position

The Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on July 7, 2025, addressing several key issues, including funding for a new position in the Commonwealth's Attorney's office.

The meeting began with discussions surrounding the recent approval of a position that had been sought after for over a decade. Despite the excitement over the approval, concerns were raised regarding the lack of funding from the Commonwealth's Compensation Board. The board noted that while the position was created, it had not yet been financially supported, leading to questions about the sustainability of the role.

Supervisors discussed whether this initiative was part of a broader trend affecting other localities, drawing parallels to past efforts to align resources for small counties. The conversation highlighted the importance of having a full-time prosecutor to handle the increasing complexity of criminal law, emphasizing the necessity for effective prosecution to ensure justice for the community.

A resolution was presented to appropriate $117,323 to the Commonwealth's Attorney's budget, which would include recognizing revenue from the state and transferring $28,103 from the board's contingency fund. This appropriation is crucial for covering mandatory benefits associated with the new position, which had not been previously allocated.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensure that the necessary funding is secured for the upcoming fiscal year, allowing the Commonwealth's Attorney's office to operate effectively and serve the community's needs. The board's proactive approach aims to address the challenges posed by the evolving legal landscape and ensure that justice is accessible to all residents.