Rockbridge County presents FY 2026 draft budget; board approves bills and routine items

County staff presented the first draft of Rockbridge County's fiscal year 2026 budget at the Board of Supervisors meeting on March 10, saying the draft shows total revenues of $63,707,213 and proposed expenses of $64,606,516.

Finance staff emphasized that the draft includes $3,862,697 for capital projects and noted several near-term capital requests: four school buses ($560,000), $40,000 to expand the fleet services parking lot, about $34,282 for library restroom and catalog upgrades at the Lexington branch, and $231,274 for central dispatch capital needs. The presenter said the draft keeps the real property tax rate unchanged and retains current personal property assessments (examples cited: $425 for vehicles and $425 for other personal property). "Total revenues amount to $63,707,213; expenditures $64,606,516," the presenter said.

Why it matters: the draft sets out options to close a budget gap, fund capital projects and absorb personnel cost changes including a 3% across-the-board raise and a proposed additional 10% raise for fire and rescue personnel; the board must decide whether to alter rates, use reserves, or reduce expenditures in coming meetings.

Other points raised in the presentation included: - Implementation of a new Tyler municipal software system will create an overlap in systems this year and next, delaying full-year savings until the transition is complete. - Sales and meals tax estimates are flat; lodging taxes are projected lower based on current trends. - A contribution of about $239,000 was proposed for new debt service on a social services building; revenue sharing with the City of Lexington was shown as up about $202,425 based on FY 2024 audited numbers. - The presenter provided an updated estimate for the school division local funding need of $17,284,708 based on a 3% raise assumption; the board scheduled a joint meeting with the school board for March 20.

Board discussion focused on narrowing the budget gap and reviewing department-level requests. Finance committee meetings were scheduled to continue work on closing the gap.

Votes at a glance: several routine and fiscal items were approved by roll call during the meeting.

- Resolution authorizing additional appropriations and payment of bills (total bills presented $924,763.42). Additional appropriations included $500 from the Circuit Court Clerk Technology Trust Fund and $101,716 for tax refunds from pending court settlements. Outcome: approved. Vote record: Supervisor Lyons —Yes; Supervisor Day —Yes; Supervisor McDaniel —Yes; Supervisor Lewis —Yes; Chair Ayers —Yes.

- Approval of the January 30 interjurisdictional meeting minutes. Outcome: approved. Vote record: Lyons Yes; Day Yes; McDaniel Yes; Lewis Yes; Ayers Yes.

- Approval of the February 24 work session and regular meeting minutes. Outcome: approved. Vote record: Lyons Yes; McDaniel Yes; Lyons (duplicate in transcript acknowledged) Yes; Day Yes; Lewis Yes; Ayers Yes.

- Reappointment of Boyd Brown and Stacy Stevens to the Economic Development Authority. Outcome: approved. Vote record: Lyons Yes; Day Yes; McDaniel Yes; Lewis Yes; Ayers Yes.

- Motion to accept monthly staff reports. Outcome: approved. Vote record: Lyons Yes; McDaniel Yes; Day Yes; Lewis Yes; Ayers Yes.

No contested motions or failed votes were recorded on the items presented.

Next steps: finance staff and the finance committee will continue to pursue options to close the draft budget gap; the board expects further committee meetings this week and a joint meeting with the school board on March 20 to refine school funding requests.