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Roanoke council introduces $17.9 million school capital appropriation; public hearing set for May 19
Summary
City council introduced an ordinance to appropriate $17,874,219 for Roanoke City Public Schools capital projects and scheduled a required public hearing for 7 p.m. May 19; some public commenters urged clear funding rules and a stable formula for school budgets.
Roanoke City Council on Thursday introduced an ordinance to appropriate $17,874,219 in capital funding for Roanoke City Public Schools and scheduled a public hearing on the measure for 7 p.m. May 19.
City Finance Director Margaret Lindsay told council staff will bring updated revenue estimates in June and that the city will propose matching expenditure adjustments so actual spending and revenue align. The appropriation was introduced for council consideration; a formal vote will follow after the public hearing.
The introduction matters because the amount exceeds the threshold that triggers a public hearing under local rules — the city attorney noted the hearing requirement tied to amendments larger than 1% of the budget. The funds cover continuing and new capital projects for the school division.
In public comment, longtime educator and community member Bill Bespich urged council to keep a clear and consistent funding formula and to preserve school fund balances. “You need a formula, you need to stick to it, and you need to continue the policy regarding a fund balance for our schools,” Bespich said, warning that removing those assurances could deter qualified candidates from serving on the school board and invite annual budget fights between council and the schools.
Lindsay said the finance office is monitoring revenue and expenditure timing closely; she noted some revenue lines lag and that certain reimbursements tied to mandated services will increase as associated expenditures rise. She also signaled forthcoming budget adjustments to better reflect revenues that have been higher than initially budgeted.
The ordinance will return to council for a vote after the May 19 public hearing. Council members did not take a final vote on the appropriation during Thursday’s meeting.
Looking ahead, council members and staff said they will share more detailed revenue estimates at the first June meeting and that the public hearing will provide a formal opportunity for citizens to weigh in before council acts.
