Board approves social-services bonuses and towing-fee update; adopts FY2027 budget calendar and school fund appropriations

At its Sept. 16 meeting, the Stafford County Board of Supervisors approved several administrative and budget actions by unanimous vote.

Budget and management brought forward proposed resolution R25-155 to reappropriate schools' health benefit fund reserves and R25-232 to carry over $317,000 in Commonwealth Governor's School funds for purchase and installation of broadcast technology. Andrea Light, Stafford County chief financial officer, told the board no county general funds were required for the two items and clarified that the $317,000 covers equipment for Governor's School locations in Stafford, King George, Spotsylvania and Caroline; the board approved the resolutions after clarifying the language.

The board adopted the FY2027 budget calendar (R25-130) with minor changes discussed at an earlier work session.

During the public-hearing portion the board considered Ordinance O025-28 to provide a 1.5% bonus to Department of Social Services employees, primarily funded with state and federal pass-through funds and requiring an estimated general-fund appropriation of roughly $36,000. After opening the public hearing (no public speakers for that item) the board moved and approved the ordinance so staff could include the bonus in employee paychecks ahead of the state's October deadline.

The board also approved proposed Ordinance O025-27 to align local towing-and-storage fees for private-property tows with a July 1 change in the Code of Virginia; Captain Jacobs of the Sheriff’s Office explained the county code update and the board voted to adopt the ordinance.

All of the above motions passed by unanimous vote. The board then entered and certified a closed session and adjourned the meeting.