Henrico CFO outlines FY2027 recommended budget; public hearing held

John Wack, Henrico County Public Schools’ chief financial officer, gave a public presentation of the superintendent’s recommended FY2027 general fund budget during the board’s Feb. 12 work session.

Wack said the recommended general fund budget would increase by about $27.7 million, or approximately 3.66%, compared with FY2026. "Our general fund budget is increasing by about 27.7 million or 3.66% compared to the fiscal year 2026 adopted," he said. He highlighted major funding items that contribute to the net increase, including approximately $18.66 million for employee health benefits, about $5.45 million to add roughly 50 English‑language‑learner teachers, about $1.71 million to add 20 exceptional‑education instructional assistants and seven teachers, and roughly $1.24 million for staff tied to the Wilton Farm living building. He also noted an approximately $3 million operating increase to reflect higher electricity and utilities costs.

Wack identified net reductions as well, including an estimated nearly $8 million reduction from a lower Virginia Retirement System pension rate and other decreases in group life and retiree health credit expenses. He said the recommended budget does not yet include pay raises; salary increases remain a priority that will be considered in the county manager’s proposal.

The CFO noted an administrative error in the posted budget document related to local revenues (parking fees) and said the posted document will be corrected online. He also described the next steps in the calendar: the school board is scheduled to approve its budget with any amendments on Feb. 26, and the final school budget will be adopted on April 16 after the Board of Supervisors’ action on the county budget.

The public hearing opened for citizen comment; no speakers signed up for the advertised hearing. The board invited written comments submitted through the district’s online form.