Fluvanna County supervisors review FY27 budget requests, including new prosecutor and social services staffing

The Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors met Feb. 11 in the Morris Room at the county administration building in Palmyra to review FY27 budget requests from constitutional officers and county agencies.

Jeff Haislip, the Commonwealth’s Attorney, presented office workload data showing increased crime rates and asked the board to fund two additional positions: a full‑time assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney and either a full‑time paralegal or an administrative assistant to help manage rising caseloads and administrative burden.

Sheriff Eric Hess, joined by Maj. Wells, outlined the Sheriff’s Office FY27 requests, which include equipment upgrades such as communications equipment and forensic tools. Hess also told the board the office is working to address pay compression issues and to develop a more structured career advancement plan for deputies.

Tristana Pace Treadway, clerk of the circuit court, presented an operations request of $149,105 for FY27 and noted a Record Preservation request previously listed at $40,000 that can be reduced to $17,000. Treasurer Deborah Rittenhouse updated the board on delinquent tax collections and food and beverage tax receipts and requested a locally funded Deputy II position to address increasing workload.

Commissioner of the Revenue Lauren R. Sheridan described increases tied to new‑construction assessments and requested a Deputy Commissioner II to help reduce revenue delays and handle assessment work.

County agency presentations included a FY27 request from the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Kim Mayo, senior extension agent/unit coordinator, said the office is focused on water quality, youth programming and local food systems and asked for a 2% operations and supplies increase.

Social Services Director Kim Mabe presented a FY27 budget request of $1,879,331 and requested an Assistant Director position to address growing operational demands across Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services and related programs.

Registrar Joyce Pace and Electoral Board member Dan Graff briefed the board on an April special election, changes in election procedures, redistricting, early voting needs and the June primary, and discussed related staffing needs.

Representatives of the Fire and Rescue Association — Chief Constantino, Chief Pullen and John Lye — discussed staffing challenges and agreed to consider a pilot to place part‑time paid staff at the Kent Store fire station to augment volunteer coverage; they also raised equipment maintenance and funding needs.

The board held two closed sessions under Section 2.2‑3711(A)(8) of the Code of Virginia for legal advice on matters including an Organizational Efficiency Study and legal advice related to special called meetings. The minutes record the board’s certification votes after each closed session. The meeting was extended briefly and adjourned at 11:12 p.m.; no final budget appropriations were made at the session.

The board will continue its FY27 budget process in future meetings, where department requests will be considered alongside county revenue estimates and capital needs.