Surry County leaders hear budget requests as departments warn state changes could raise local costs

The Surry County Board of Commissioners on April 21 heard budget requests from Surry Community College, the Department of Social Services (DSS), local rescue squads and three public school systems as county leaders begin work on the FY26‑27 spending plan.

Dr. David Shockley, representing Surry Community College, asked for a $161,000 increase and outlined capital needs tied to renovation of the college’s “T” building. On behalf of Surry‑Yadkin Works, Shockley said the workforce organization seeks about $9,000 more for salaries, and he recognized longtime Chief Financial Officer Tony Martin on the occasion of his retirement.

DSS Director Sharon Schueneman, joined by Lauren Banks and Sylvia Akers, presented a request that includes seven new positions and two reclassifications to address rising caseloads and internal training needs. Banks told the Board that a state proposal she identified as the "Big Beautiful Bill" would cut reimbursement for food and nutrition workers’ salaries from 50% to 25% and would require Medicaid clients to recertify twice a year instead of once. County Manager Chris Knopf said those changes would increase county costs by about $3.1 million. Banks reported the county issues approximately $1.7 million in health and nutrition benefits each month and noted Surry County’s current payment error rate as zero.

"The Bill will alter reimbursement for the salaries of Food and Nutrition Workers and reduce the reimbursements from 50% to 25%," Lauren Banks said, explaining the local effects she expects from the state proposal.

Austin Love of the Surry County Association of Rescue Squads requested $382,807.50 in annual allocations, a 7.5% increase limited by the Association’s by‑laws; he said actual operational costs have risen more than that amount. Nathan Webb, speaking for Mount Airy Rescue Squad, thanked the county for support and asked for funding for one additional paid part‑time staff member. Love also said the new Mountain Park Rescue Squad building should be operational soon, with an open house planned for June 2026 pending installation of commemorative signage.

Dr. Steve Hall presented Elkin City Schools’ FY26‑27 request, highlighting a $1,355 per‑student current expense ask, an increase in the supplemental tax rate and a special capital request to address roofing needs and to install new auditorium lighting beyond per‑pupil capital allocations.

Mount Airy City Schools officials Dr. Phillip Brown and Andy Mehaffey requested a $1,375 per‑student current expense allocation, asking roughly $2.3 million (about a 5% increase) for current expenses and $598,000 in capital outlay for technology, accessibility, site work and athletic facility repairs; the district also requested increased funding for school resource officers.

Surry County Schools Superintendent Dr. Travis Reeves requested $1,375 per student in current expense funding and $1.2 million in supplemental funding, and described phased renovations at high schools to address safety and traffic patterns. Reeves also discussed the planned closure of Gentry Middle School and consolidation with Meadowview Middle School.

Commissioners thanked presenters and emphasized the board’s challenge to adopt a budget that maintains services amid state mandates and limited reimbursements. The Board will continue budget deliberations as staff compiles requested figures and options for balancing the county’s FY26‑27 budget.