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Board moves forward on FY27 appropriation, debates use of surplus for schools
Summary
The Board approved appropriation of adopted FY27 budget figures and a FY26 amendment package while supervisors publicly debated the use of surplus funds for school increases and revenue assumptions tied to future development.
The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors approved resolutions to appropriate FY27 budget figures — including an initial 40% county contribution to schools — and a multi‑line FY26 amendment package that together adjusted county appropriations by roughly $19.8 million.
County finance staff briefed the board on two large accounts‑payable items required to come before supervisors under policy (MB Contractors ~$525,391 and Motorola Solutions change order ~$131,869) and explained the FY27 appropriation resolves those previously adopted figures into spendable appropriations.
Several supervisors pressed staff and colleagues about revenue assumptions underpinning increased school appropriations and the use of fund balance. One supervisor said the county had authorized what amounted to an ongoing burden "we may or may not someday have revenues for" and cautioned against relying on projected Google‑related revenues. Resident Melissa Smith urged the board "not to appropriate funds that are over what we actually have," asking fiscal prudence and reminding supervisors that many households live within tight budgets.
Board members voted on the appropriation and amendments after public comment and recorded opposition and abstentions on some motions; staff will follow standard audit and reporting procedures as the county moves to implement approved appropriations.
Ending: County staff said they will report on finalized state budget comparisons and any adjustments expected as state figures are reconciled.
