Halifax commissioners give preliminary approval to $4.68M capital plan; ambulance budget set at $365,000

The Halifax County Board of Commissioners gave preliminary approval on Jan. 5 to the county’s FY2026–27 departmental capital outlay plan, which staff said is intended for planning and allotment purposes ahead of formal budget hearings.

Assistant County Manager Thomas Everett presented the capital worksheets. Highlights include recurring capital requests totaling $3,363,813, new capital totaling $1,319,945, and a combined total of $4,683,758. Staff said leftover capital budget funds from prior years (~$4,742,361) would cover the approved recurring and new capital for the coming year. Noteworthy items discussed:

- One ambulance budgeted at $365,000 (commissioners discussed the need for additional ambulances for rural coverage).
- Animal control incinerator replacement budgeted at $110,000 (old unit 15+ years old and inoperable).
- Recreation department support and other recurring fleet and technology expenses.

Commissioners asked for detailed spreadsheets comparing requests to approved amounts; staff agreed to provide those for departmental budget meetings. The board gave preliminary approval so departments can plan operating budgets; final approval will occur with the full budget adoption in June 2026.