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Essex County approves forensic audit invoice, school grant appropriations and pest control transfer
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Summary
The Essex County Board of Supervisors voted to pay a forensic audit invoice of $38,072.50, approved several school grant appropriations (including a $37,500 STEM grant) and authorized a $4,169 transfer for pest control; the board tabled action on a small school refund.
At its April 14 meeting the Essex County Board of Supervisors approved several budget motions and transfers affecting county operations and school programs.
Forensic audit invoice approved The board approved payment of $38,072.50 to the county—s forensic audit team to continue the ongoing audit work. Supervisor McGruder moved to approve the payment and Chairman Akers seconded; the board approved the motion by voice vote.
School refunds and grant appropriations Board members reviewed a small refund of $15.98 tied to an overpayment of unemployment (BEC) taxes; staff explained the amount went into the refund and rebates account that is allocated to schools. The board agreed with discussion points that the county could move the funds into the general fund but tabled formal action on that reallocation until the next meeting to allow for a budget action form.
Separately, the board approved multiple school grant appropriations that had been presented previously: - Math innovation grant: $7,820 for math materials to support students with disabilities. - Math acceleration grant: $1,436.50 to compensate teachers ($500 each) preparing for Praxis endorsement and to purchase prep materials and testing costs. - STEM team grant: $37,500 to support STEM team materials (received in 2025; appropriation requested now). - Miscellaneous revenue: $2,965 (VHSL reimbursement for security and ticketing costs). The board voted to approve the transfers as detailed on the budget supplement form.
Pest control transfer The board approved a transfer of $4,169 from reserves to cover pest control service contracts for county properties; the motion was made and seconded and passed by voice vote.
Procedural notes Board members noted that some items presented did not yet have required forms for final action (the small refund), and appropriate budget action forms will be brought back next month. Several motions were passed by unanimous voice vote; recorded roll‑call tallies were not read into the record during the meeting.
What to expect next The board scheduled final budget adoption for April 23 and will revisit the outstanding refund reallocation and any school appropriation changes once the school division submits its budget.
