Botetourt supervisors adopt FY27 appropriation and CIP after divided debate

The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt a FY27 Budget Appropriation Resolution and a Capital Improvement Plan at its June 23 meeting.

Finance Director Katie Davis told the Board the appropriation is required before funds can be spent and that the county’s appropriation to schools reflects 40 percent of the county’s planned operational and capital reserve contribution. "That the Board adopt the budget appropriation resolution and adopt the CIP plan as presented," the motion recorded in the minutes shows.

Supervisor Linda Rottman said she opposed the action, criticizing a $2.8 million increase to the school budget and the use of a $2.1 million surplus from the county employee health-care fund to offset school costs. Rottman said the county lacks a recurring revenue base to sustain the increase and questioned priorities such as proposed library and parks allocations.

Board members who supported adoption argued it implements decisions the Board made previously and enables quarterly appropriations consistent with the county’s budgeting plan. The motion to adopt carried with Supervisors Tim Snyder, Brandon Nicely and Dr. Donald M. Scothorn voting in favor and Supervisors Walter Michael and Linda Rottman recording concerns during discussion; the formal vote on record shows three ayes and two nays (Resolution #26-06-04).

The adoption front-loads funding authority for FY27; the Capital Improvement Plan presented at the meeting covers only FY27 as a financial commitment, while later years (FY28–FY31) were shown for planning purposes only.