Commission forwards FY27 budget requests after hearing department appeals

Montgomery County departments detailed their FY27 budget requests at the January Fire and Rescue Commission meeting and the Commission voted to submit the compiled request to the Board of Supervisors.

Christiansburg and county fire representatives asked for recurring increases to reflect rising call volume and higher maintenance and equipment costs; Christiansburg's recurring request was presented as $75,000. The Special Operations team requested $40,000 recurring for ongoing equipment replacement and $10,000 one-time for dive/communications equipment. Smaller departments sought modest increases to cover building maintenance and vehicle repair.

Staff noted the Commission's discretionary account held roughly $8,345 and warned that any allocations above that total would require an additional request to the Board of Supervisors. County supervisors reminded members that countywide revenue growth outlook is lower than in prior years and many competing requests (schools, sheriff's office, career-staff additions) will stress the FY27 budget.

After discussion a motion to submit the Commission's budget request as presented was made and seconded; the Chair called for a voice vote and the motion carried.