Prince George supervisors authorize school carryover, grant applications and multiple contracts; OK opioid settlements

Prince George County supervisors on Sept. 9 approved a series of budget, grant and contract measures and heard reports from VDOT and the James River Soil and Water Conservation District.

The board approved a budget amendment to appropriate $725,000 in school division carryover funds so the division can replace five aging mobile classrooms and address erosion repairs at J.E.J. Moore Middle School. The motion to approve the amendment was made by Supervisor Cox and seconded by Supervisor Wymack; the roll call vote was unanimous.

The amendment was presented as a request from the school division to access a portion of anticipated fiscal 2025 carryover before the county audit is complete so the division can begin urgent work. A school representative identified in the meeting as Miss Drury said the division will reduce a future carryover request if the county grants these funds and that preliminary FY25 numbers indicate sufficient operating fund revenues to cover the appropriation.

The board also authorized the recovery court coordinator to apply for a DCJS (Department of Criminal Justice Services) Burns State Crisis Intervention Program grant. Katie Danahell, identified in the meeting as the Recovery Court Coordinator, said the competitive grant covers an 18-month period (Jan. 2026–July 31, 2027) with no local match and that her application requests $140,184 to fund a paid defense-attorney contract, an intern, a part-time deputy, housing assistance for participants, equipment, and travel. Supervisor Cox moved and Supervisor Pew seconded the authorization; the motion carried unanimously.

On capital and operations matters, the board awarded a contract for a feasibility and facility study related to Fire Station 6 to FGM Architects at a price not to exceed $72,500. Prince George Fire Chief Casares told the board the station needs replacement and that the study will evaluate the current site plus two alternate sites and include stakeholder meetings and cost analyses. Supervisor Pew moved to award the contract and Supervisor Cox seconded;…