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Fauquier supervisors review FY2027 budget framework; reserves, bonuses and public hearing dates set
Summary
Board members and staff reviewed FY2027 budget plans, including reserve balances, possible state-mandated bonuses that could cost up to $368,000 locally, proposed vacancy cuts that reduce budget pressure, and scheduled public hearings on March 23, March 27 and March 31.
The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors held an agenda review on March 12 that doubled as the second work session on the proposed FY2027 budget, with staff walking the board through reserve balances and a slate of potential adjustments.
Budget director Mallory Downs and budget manager Jen Greer told the board the county’s capital reserve stood at $11.2 million, the facilities reserve at $3.8 million after a $642,000 appropriation from the recent sale of 340 Hospital Drive, and the fire-rescue capital reserve at $3.7 million. “We recommend utilizing the capital reserve for items that are one-time in nature,” Downs said. Greer flagged approximately $2.0 million of requests that could be funded from reserves.
The work session covered additional personnel and benefits items, including state-driven bonuses for constitutional offices. Downs said the county could face a local maximum contribution of about $368,000 depending on whether the board chooses to fund bonuses beyond state reimbursements. “We are planning to work with legal to confirm which of this list is mandated,” she said.
Staff also presented vacancy scrubs and recommended holding or abolishing several positions as part of savings efforts; the package of vacancy actions was presented as producing roughly $1.4 million in gross savings and an estimated $804,000 net budget reduction. County staff announced required public hearings: March 23 at 7 p.m. (public hearing), a special markup session March 27 at 9 a.m., and budget adoption on March 31 at 4 p.m.
The board did not take final votes during the work session; staff said more detailed cost breakdowns and follow-ups will return to the board before adoption.
