Botetourt supervisors postpone FY2027 budget vote until auditor review

The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors voted May 26 to postpone action on the FY2027 budget and adoption of advertised tax rates until after a scheduled meeting with the county auditor on June 11.

Finance Director Katie Davis presented the proposed FY2026–27 budget, which totals $159,082,778 — an 8% increase from the FY26 adopted budget — and recommended keeping tax rates unchanged. Board Chair Dr. Donald M. Scothorn said anticipated commercial development could generate additional revenue and estimated “approximately $600,000” in revenues not yet reflected in the budget, and proposed forming a revenue committee to improve future forecasts.

Supervisor Linda Rottman moved to delay adoption, citing unresolved questions about school expenditures and a need for independent verification of figures presented to the Board; Dr. Janet Womack, superintendent, confirmed the schools’ $2.8 million revised request reflected reductions to insurance, maintenance, and positions and noted any further changes would require school board approval. After an initial roll‑call with mixed votes, the Board reconsidered and then voted unanimously to postpone the budget vote until after the auditor meeting.

County Attorney Mike Lockaby advised the Board that the legal deadline for budget adoption is the earlier of 30 days after the General Assembly budget adoption or July 1 and noted that the appropriation resolution — not the budget adoption itself — is the legally binding spending document. The postponement is intended to allow additional auditor review and consideration of school expenditure detail before final appropriation.