Schools ask board for $37,500 to accept full state security grant; supervisors delay decision

Amelia County Public Schools asked the Board of Supervisors for an additional $37,500 in local funds so the division can accept the full $250,000 state school-security equipment grant, school officials told the board.

Mr. Trump, speaking for the division's finance staff, said the full award requires a local match of $62,500 and that the division had budgeted $25,000 already; the $37,500 request would close the gap so ACPS can accept the full award and proceed with security hardware and entryway projects. "This provides us with opportunities to make our schools safer for children," a school official told the board.

Board members pressed on the county's broader fiscal picture. Supervisor (Speaker 3) cited cumulative appropriations this year and warned that "we've spent a little over $750,000 in appropriations this year, and we just cannot continue this," urging caution. Others said the requested local contribution is a modest outlay relative to the state funds being offered and recommended waiting for clearer midyear revenue projections before committing the money.

The board did not approve the additional appropriation at the meeting. Chair (Speaker 2) and several supervisors asked staff to return in January with more complete revenue projections and a recommended spending plan that would allow the board to weigh the request alongside other pending appropriations.