Madison County previews FY27 budget; Germanna, sheriff and EMS present major requests

MADISON, Va. — The Madison County Board of Supervisors on March 5 reviewed key components of the proposed fiscal 2027 budget, hearing presentations from Germanna Community College and county public-safety and facilities officials while finance staff outlined revenue projections and capital plans.

Dr. Tashika Griffith, introduced as the new president of Germanna Community College, thanked the county for past support, said Germanna serves more than 14,000 students annually and reported that roughly 196 Madison County residents attend the college (including dual-enrollment students). She described Germanna's role in workforce training and transfer pathways and requested $10,000 in county support for the coming year. No board action was taken on the request.

County finance staff (the Treasurer and the Commissioner of Revenue) presented FY27 revenue forecasts showing modest growth in real-property tax receipts tied to new construction and expected increases in local sales tax, ambulance transport revenue, restaurant meals tax and recordation tax. Staff also identified projected decreases in several categories, including the PSAP State 911 grant, an SRO grant that has expired, cigarette tax receipts and machinery & tools tax. Finance staff discussed contingency options should revenues fall short, such as adjustments to the real-estate or meals tax rates.

Facilities & Maintenance requested $1,615,957 to address aging infrastructure, rising contractor costs and increased repair and maintenance needs; the department also asked for part-time seasonal assistance for grounds work and noted rising Transfer Station disposal and transport costs as drivers of increased budget pressure. Staff said the county is considering fee adjustments for certain waste streams (for example, tires and appliances) to better align costs with charges to users.

Sheriff Weaver presented a $3,510,439 request for the Sheriff's Office, reporting that one School Resource Officer grant had expired while two SRO positions remain grant-funded. The sheriff recommended converting a part-time court security position to full time to reduce overtime and improve courthouse coverage, and discussed vehicle replacement planning and recruitment and retention challenges for deputies.

EMS Chief Hillstrom outlined a $3,493,913 FY27 request, noting steady call volume and that ambulance transports provide some departmental revenue while staffing, equipment and vehicle maintenance costs are rising. Chief Hillstrom described a proposed Community Paramedicine Program and mentioned pursuing potential grant support and a grant writer to help secure outside funding.

Finance Director Jennifer Warren and County Administrator Jonathon Weakley briefed the board on the Capital Improvement Plan and Capital Asset Replacement Plan, reviewed currently proposed capital items and discussed how smaller maintenance needs might be handled through operating budgets versus capital funding. The pair also presented a fund-balance analysis and described its role in supporting one-time capital projects and maintaining reserves.

During public comment Jim Smith reminded the board that early voting begins the following day. Supervisor Mike Snider asked staff about repairing a broken projector screen in the board auditorium; County Administrator Weakley said staff were working on repairs. No budget votes or policy decisions were made at the session.

Votes at a glance - Adoption of agenda: Motion by Supervisor Nancy Sharman, seconded by Vice-Chairman James Jewett; approved 5-0. - Adjourn: Motion by Supervisor Jud Buchanan, seconded by Supervisor Mike Snider; approved 5-0.

What happens next: The board will continue FY27 budget deliberations at follow-up work sessions; staff will return with further budget refinements, capital prioritization recommendations and any proposed fee changes for public consideration.