Franklin County adopts $247.6M FY2027 budget with CIP; board eyes cautious approach on school bonuses

The Franklin County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on May 19 to adopt the county and school FY2027 budget, approving a combined spending plan of $247,607,533 and a five-year capital improvement plan totaling $121,033,710.

County Administrator (Mr. Sandy) and Finance Director Brian Carter summarized changes from staff and work sessions: the board added $650,000 for fire apparatus and $400,000 for school bus replacement while offsetting those increases with reductions (including delaying six paramedic/firefighter positions and part-time staffing reductions). The proposed 5‑year CIP includes placeholders for several large projects, including a $40 million allowance for a career-technical education (CTE) facility under review.

Supervisors debated whether to commit local match dollars now for the state’s one-time supplemental employee bonus program; staff described two options: fund a 2% full-time employee bonus (with a local match of roughly $355,000) plus a modest $250 one-time payment for eligible part-time employees, or defer a decision pending firmer year-end numbers. The board agreed to defer any action on the bonus timing and to instruct staff to craft appropriation options with safeguards (quarterly or conditional appropriations and certification to ensure capital-designated funds are spent as intended).

Adoption of the budget is the policy-level act; staff will present an appropriation resolution in June that will provide legal spending authority and may include restrictions for school transfers and capital releases to ensure county priorities (for example, dedicating funds for school buses) are honored.

The roll-call vote on the budget and CIP was unanimous. Board members said they will monitor year-end projections carefully, particularly the school projection, before spending reserves or carrying forward funds.