County administrator outlines FY 2027 budget priorities, cites rising public-safety costs

Mr. Stanley, the county administrator, presented the county administrator’s proposed FY 2027 budget at a Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors work session on March 10, stressing that public-safety costs are the single largest driver of new spending.

"We had to assume our full share of the joint dispatch, which we eased into last year. It’s about a little over $355,000 a year is our share," Mr. Stanley said, identifying the joint dispatch contract and an incoming radio system as significant near-term budget pressures.

The proposed budget advances several priorities the administrator listed as goals: maintain and improve current service levels, keep staff pay competitive, address pay compression, continue capital planning for projects such as the elementary school and public-safety radio, promote economic development and invest in community amenities.

Why it matters: The joint dispatch commitment and the radio-system maintenance contract together represent several tenths of a penny on the real-estate tax rate, Mr. Stanley said, and the county must plan ahead so maintenance costs do not come due without reserves. He said the radio system is targeted to be online this fall for testing and that maintenance obligations will begin about one year after acceptance.

Key revenue and personnel choices

Mr. Stanley presented conservative revenue assumptions: real-estate tax revenue is roughly stable (he cited an estimated tax base near $10.35 million), modest personal-property growth of around $100,000 and slight sales-tax increases. The draft budget uses about $850,000 of fund balance for one-time capital items, consistent with recent practice.

On pay, the administrator proposed a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for all positions and a 2.5% merit pool. "We’ve included a 2% cost of living adjustment," he said, adding that some positions funded through the compensation board will receive that 2% and the county will make up any portion it must cover.

Public safety and corrections

Mr. Stanley described increases tied to fire and EMS operations — including a phased increase in insurance reimbursements for volunteer fire companies and $20,000 proposed for reporting software — and flagged an approximately $30,000 increase in maintenance contracts related to body-worn cameras and footage storage.

He also said Piedmont Regional Jail counts and per-diem costs have been volatile, acknowledging that rising utilization can drive the county’s share higher but noting the county has reserved funds to smooth short-term impacts.

Capital, schools and economic development

The draft budget contains $700,000 in combined school CIP funding: $450,000 in budgeted capital plus $250,000 from meals-tax allocations earmarked for the elementary school project. Mr. Stanley reiterated a long-standing county commitment of $54,818 to the Verita regional economic-development initiative.

Unincluded items and next steps

Mr. Stanley noted some items are not included in the draft — most notably full funding for a prospect ambulance — and said the county will discuss outside-agency requests on March 17. The board is slated to authorize public hearings March 24 for the April 14 meeting, with a special meeting proposed for April 21 to adopt county and school budgets and set tax rates. The administrator said adoption of an appropriation resolution is expected at the June 9 meeting.

Board reaction and process

Supervisors asked brief clarification questions about reassessment timing and reserve levels. Mr. Stanley thanked staff for preparation and said staff would refine line items after the outside-agency reviews and the board’s guidance. A recess was proposed to resume at 7:00 p.m.

What’s next: Outside-agency presentations are set for March 17, with a public-hearing authorization planned March 24 and adoption activity in late April; staff will return revised line items for supervisor review before adoption.