Board approves $67,921.40 in FY25–26 carryover requests after split vote

The Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors voted 3–2 on Dec. 3 to approve a bundled set of eight carryover requests from fiscal 2025 into fiscal 2026 totaling $67,921.40.

County staff told the board that carryovers are intended for defined projects that could not be completed by June 30 because of unforeseen circumstances, and staff gave examples including training catch-up for the Fire Rescue Association and additional vehicle repair costs in the sheriff’s fleet. The presenter said some requests meet county policy while others do not but had been included previously in board-approved exceptions.

Supervisors debated the office of policy enforcement and whether the board was setting a precedent by approving items that do not strictly meet written criteria. One supervisor questioned, “Why have the policy if we approve items that don't meet requirements?” while other members argued that small, operational items or urgent safety-related training could warrant exceptions. Staff provided the example that increased tire and parts costs drove unanticipated expenses for the sheriff’s fleet, and said carryovers can prevent reduction in readiness.

A motion to approve the carryover package was made by Mr. O’Brien and seconded by Mr. Sheridan. During the roll call the chair voted no on the bundled motion; the board announced the measure passed, 3–2.

The approved carryovers will be reappropriated to the FY26 budget to fund the specified departmental needs. Board discussion indicated future interest in clarifying the policy and possibly establishing numeric thresholds for administrator discretion. The county administrator and finance staff plan to return with more detail in a future meeting.