Roanoke releases April budget report; council approves Children's Services Act and school grant appropriations

Interim Finance Director Miss Harris presented the city’s monthly financial report for April 2026 at the June 1 council meeting. She said several revenue categories have met or exceeded budgeted expectations — penalties and interest at 113%, public service tax at 106%, and business license revenue at 106% — while some taxes (cigarette, emissions, and communications) trended below prior-year figures.

Harris said prepared food and beverage base sales were up roughly 2.3% year‑over‑year through February, while March and April figures were pending. She also outlined deferred capital maintenance tracking (elevators, HVAC and electrical upgrades) and reported that general fund expenditures were approximately 76% of the annual budget with outlays expected to remain in line through year end.

Following the financial briefing, council considered two ordinances related to social services and schools. The council adopted an ordinance authorizing acceptance of state funds from the Office of Children's Services and appropriating the local match to continue mandated services for eligible youth.

Council then adopted an ordinance to appropriate Commonwealth, federal and private grant funding for the Roanoke City Schools. Before that vote, Councilwoman Vivian Sanchez Jones and Vice Mayor Steven Terry Maguire read statements of recusal, saying they are employees of Roanoke City Public Schools and therefore would refrain from participating in the matter under Virginia Code §2.2‑3112. The remaining members voted in favor and the ordinance passed.