Henry County board approves multiple appropriations, adopts FY2025–26 appropriation resolution

The Henry County Board of Supervisors approved multiple budgetary actions and adopted an FY2025–26 appropriation resolution during its May 27, 2025 meeting.

Actions approved included a categorical transfer of $1,151,973 from instructional to pupil transportation for the purchase of 10 school buses using the state contract; an additional appropriation of $761,161 in state funds to pay one-time bonuses for eligible school employees; and an appropriation to support several capital items and a $100,000 contribution toward construction of the proposed Marshall Henry County YMCA. The board also approved appropriations for the Villa Heights housing project, a radio repeater replacement contract and a $25,000 regional 9-1-1 training grant.

County staff presented details for each item. On the school buses, Mr. Wagner told the board that the funds will be used to buy 10 buses from Sunny Maryland Incorporated of Westborough, Virginia under the state contract. The categorical transfer motion passed on a recorded 6–0 vote.

On school bonuses, Wagner said the Commonwealth provided $761,161 in state-designated funds to cover one-time bonuses of $1,000 for eligible school employees and that the school board identified additional local funds to raise the amount to $1,500 for eligible employees. The board approved the appropriation 6–0.

Staff then outlined a package of capital items that included vehicle replacements across departments, resurfacing and turf equipment, and other items. The packet and staff presentation listed a requested total appropriation of $790,000; during the meeting a board motion approved transferring $609,000 in current-year funds for the listed capital items and using $100,000 from fund balance toward the YMCA construction cost. The motion passed 6–0.

The board approved a $25,000 grant appropriation for regional 9-1-1 training funds from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, with Henry County acting as fiscal agent; the grant requires no local match.

Supervisors also approved establishing a district impact fund using $210,000 received from the auto rental tax. Staff explained the fund will be used at supervisors' discretion for district-level needs such as unsafe structures, blight removal or other district priorities that receive majority-board approval. The board approved the appropriation 6–0.

On housing, the board approved appropriating $450,000 in grant funds from the Harvest Foundation and $450,000 from the general fund—$900,000 total—to support construction of up to four houses as part of the Villa Heights housing project; staff and the Harvest Foundation expect sale proceeds to be returned and re-used for additional homes. The motion carried 6–0.

Public Safety Director Matt Tatum requested replacement of a radio repeater for the county's radio system, with $50,000 from the capital discretionary fund and an $83,360 contract to Motorola Solutions, Inc. The board approved the appropriation and contract award 6–0.

Mr. Wagner then presented the appropriation resolution that makes categorical appropriations for the fiscal year and adds explicit rollover language for the district impact funds; the board adopted the resolution by roll-call vote (6–0).

All votes on the listed appropriation items were recorded as 6–0 in favor, according to the meeting transcript. Several board members noted that detailed backup documents were available in the working papers and reinforced that the full budget documents are posted on the county website.

The board took each appropriation as separate motions and recorded each vote; staff said supporting materials and line-item exhibits are posted online for public review.