The County General Fund budget at $50.3 million represents a $2.4 million or 4.9% increase from the current year. No tax rate changes are proposed.
Education makes up 43% of the General Fund budget while Public Safety is 20% of General Fun spending. Some of the changes from the current year include:
- Public Safety increased by $737,000 or 8.0% above the FY17 budget
- School transfer increased by $670,000 or 3.2% above the FY17 budget
- Office of Children’s Services (Health & Welfare) transfer increased by $51,000 or 5.8% above the FY17 budget
A 2% merit compensation increase is proposed for all County employees, while a teacher salary scale increase and 1.75% raise for School staff is proposed. The County and Schools Capital Improvements Program (CIP) is proposed at $81.4 million for FY18-FY22. The first year of the CIP includes investments in facilities, parks, technology, Schools, and transportation.
After hearing Budesky’s proposal on February 21, the Board of Supervisors also heard presentations from the School Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley, Sheriff James L. Agnew, Fire-Rescue Chief William MacKay, and Animal Protection Director Tim Clough.
The Board’s consideration of the FY18 budget continues February 28, March 7, March 14, and April 4 (if needed) all starting at 3 p.m.
Town Hall meetings, which will include discussions on the FY18 Budget, will be held on March 21 (Districts 2 & 3), March 23 (Districts 4 & 5), and March 30 (District 1). The public is invited to attend any or all the Town Hall meetings.
The public hearing on the budget and tax rates will be held on April 4 at 7 p.m. Adoption of the budget and tax rates is scheduled for 3 p.m. on April 18. All meetings are open to the public.
The County Administrator's Proposed FY2018 Budget can be read at http://www.goochlandva.us/DocumentCenter/View/3352.
