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Finance Committee approves 4% COLA, new deputies and several departmental budget changes
Summary
At its April 15 meeting the Chesterfield County Finance Committee approved a 4% COLA for county employees (excluding elected officials), funding for four new deputy slots, increases to PDRTA funding, and multiple department requests; some personnel requests were denied or withdrawn. The committee incorporated its decisions into the 2026–2027 General Fund Budget draft for full Council review.
The Chesterfield County Finance Committee approved a series of budget decisions on April 15 as it reviewed the 2026–2027 General Fund Budget (second draft).
Pay adjustments: Committee Member Ethan Foard moved — and the committee unanimously approved — a 4% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all county employees, excluding elected officials.
Transit and magistrate requests: The committee voted 2–1 to increase funding for the Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority from $20,000 to $30,000 for fiscal year 2026–2027 (Committee Chair Todd Smallwood and Committee Member Bishop Johnnie McLendon in favor; Committee Member Ethan Foard opposed). Chief Magistrate John Davis’s two line-item requests (Training/Travel +$3,000; General Supplies +$7,000) were approved following brief discussion.
Public safety staffing and equipment: Sheriff Cambo Streater requested several items. The committee approved two technical requests to cover portions of body-camera and car-camera grants (Uniforms/Equipment: +$16,263.43; Technical Support: +$6,000). After extended discussion the committee approved $266,000 for four new deputy slots, with the condition that two deputies be assigned to the south end of the county and two to high-crime areas and that the Sheriff’s Office supply vehicles and equipment for the positions. A separate request for an additional Transport Officer at the Detention Center (estimated salary and fringe $64,090) was denied.
Other departmental items: The Committee approved a $20,000 request to complete a morgue addition for the Coroner’s Office. Director Lynn Shepherd withdrew Road Maintenance Fund requests for a new bush-cutting position and replacement equipment arm in favor of employee COLA. The Committee approved a new slot for a convenience-centers trash truck operator (salary and fringe $58,585).
The committee moved unanimously to incorporate all decisions and recommendations into the 2026–2027 General Fund Budget draft for presentation to full Council. The minutes do not record detailed implementation timelines, staffing start dates, or precise procurement steps for equipment and vehicles; those matters remain subject to departmental planning and full Council approval.
Votes at a glance: COLA (4%): approved, unanimous; PDRTA funding increase: approved, 2–1; Four new deputy slots ($266,000): approved, unanimous; Transport Officer request: denied; Coroner morgue funding ($20,000): approved; Convenience Centers operator slot ($58,585): approved.
