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Middlesex supervisors vote to advertise 2026–27 budget despite $264,148 shortfall
Summary
The Middlesex County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to advertise the proposed 2026–27 budget so school contracts can proceed, accepting a near-term use of fund balance while staff plans to adjust later.
The Middlesex County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on May 4 to advertise the proposed 2026–27 budget even though staff identified a remaining shortfall of $264,148 after recent amendments.
County Administrator Kevin Gentry said the figure reflects the most recent changes to revenue assumptions and advised the Board that using the county’s fund balance would allow schools to issue contracts on schedule. "the exact budget shortfall as of the most recent amendments, including the change in BPOL is $264,148," Gentry said. Matthew L. Walker, special projects coordinator, said staff had trimmed the shortfall from about $2 million to under $300,000 through earlier adjustments.
Supervisor Wayne H. Jessie, Sr. moved to advertise the budget as presented; Supervisor William A. Harris seconded. The board carried the motion on a roll-call vote: Supervisor William A. Harris—Aye; Supervisor Randy Crittenden—Aye; Supervisor Wayne H. Jessie, Sr.—Aye; Supervisor Reginald A. Williams, Sr.—Aye; Chairman Don R. Harris—Aye. The board’s action authorizes advertising the draft budget and proceeding to the formal public-hearing schedule while staff monitors state budget developments and plans to readjust once final state allocations are known.
The move preserves contracting timelines for the school division but commits the county to fronting the shortfall from reserves temporarily. Board members said they expect staff to pursue further efficiencies and return with options should state revenue outcomes change.
