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Board adopts FY2027 budget, adds community engagement position in 3-2 vote
Summary
The Board adopted the FY2027 county and school budgets on April 27, 2026: total funds $175,159,224, net budget $132,320,639 (2.7% increase). The budget passed 3-2 and includes funding for a community engagement/PIO position and seven net new staff positions.
The Powhatan County Board of Supervisors approved the FY2027 county and school operating and capital budgets on April 27, adopting a multi-fund plan that staff said totals $175,159,224 and a net budget of $132,320,639, a 2.7% increase over FY2026.
Finance Director Charla Schubert summarized the budget process and numbers: general property taxes were projected to increase 7.9% over FY26; the schools transfer is $32,761,465 (a 6.2% increase). Schubert also outlined a new "big ticket" review process for capital requests and described the timeline that began in July 2025. The proposed staffing additions include a Public Information Officer (PIO) / Community Engagement Director, a library public services specialist, three EMS personnel, a conversion of a recreation aide to full-time, a part-time summer camp counselor funded by fees, and a public safety communications officer — seven positions in total with a net increase of 4.6 full-time equivalents.
During the public hearing, resident Ranjit Mazumdar questioned whether the county’s $120,000 strategic-plan expenditure had produced measurable deliverables and asked staff to reconcile a perceived discrepancy between assessed-value increases and the stated 2.7% budget increase. Board members debated the timing and priorities of the proposed PIO position. Mr. Powers said after discussion he supports moving ahead with the PIO in the current budget year; Mr. Kinney said he would want significant board input on the position’s job description and the option to leave funds in the general fund until the role is better defined.
Mr. Powers moved to approve Resolution R-2026-25 and Mr. Kinney seconded. The motion passed 3-2: Mr. Kinney, Chairman William Donati Jr., and Mr. Powers voted AYE; Mr. McClung and Mrs. Morrissette voted NAY. County Administrator Will Hagy said the community-development consultant line (the $185,000 referenced in other items) could be adjusted later through a budget amendment if the board chooses to reallocate funds.
Next steps: Staff will implement the budget consistent with the adopted appropriations and will bring any subsequent amendments to the board for consideration.
