Board tables Department of Social Services carryover request pending countywide plan for employee bonuses

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors voted to table the Department of Social Services’ request to carry over approximately $50,000 of unspent fiscal-year funds until the board’s second meeting in June so staff can present a countywide approach to handling employee bonuses and related funding.

DSS request and context The DSS director asked to carry over about $50,000 of roughly $333,000 in estimated unspent department funds. The director said about half of the requested $50,000 would be used to cover the remainder of a one-time 1.5% bonus for state‑funded employees that the governor included in the state budget; the state deposited about $24,000 of the required bonus funding, leaving the local portion unpaid. The DSS director also asked to preserve funds for expected leave payouts and unfinished projects.

Board response and action Board members repeatedly said they want to address bonus funding countywide rather than making an isolated carryover decision for DSS. Several supervisors expressed concern about the timing and the potential financial implications across county departments. A motion by Supervisor Adams to table the DSS carryover request until the board’s second June meeting passed by voice vote.

Why it matters The state’s timing and partial funding for the one-time bonus has created uncertainty for localities. County staff said an ordinance authorizing bonuses will be on the next meeting agenda and that countywide options would be presented so the board can evaluate impacts across all departments and constitutional offices.

Ending note The board will revisit the carryover and the bonus-certification question at the next meeting when staff present a countywide plan and ordinance language.