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Smyth County budget review: schools report 3,461 students and recommend a 2% staff bonus amid tight county finances
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Brad Haga said Smyth County Schools have 3,461 students (33 below budget projection) and recommended a 2% bonus for staff; county officials said preparing a balanced budget will be difficult and final figures await the General Assembly’s budget later in April.
School Board Superintendent Dr. Brad Haga told the Budget committee and the Board that Smyth County Schools currently enroll 3,461 students, 33 fewer than budgeted, and recommended a 2% bonus for system staff as the most advantageous approach to support employees while managing constrained resources.
Julie Bear, School Board director of finance, reported that the School Board’s FY27 budget request included $11,482,849 from Smyth County and that the Governor’s proposed budget would increase the county share to $12,751,217. County Administrator Shawn Utt said staff are preparing a difficult budget and expect more clarity when the General Assembly’s final budget is available at the end of April. No formal county appropriation was adopted at the March 26 meeting.
The Budget committee also discussed deputy‑clerk salary supplements in two courts due to increased workloads, HVAC issues in the General District Courtroom, and options for moving court‑appointed attorney costs back to the state. The Board took the committee recommendations under advisement as it develops next year’s budget.
