Craig County Board adopts $17.07 million FY2024-25 budget, approves transfers and appointment

The Craig County Board of Supervisors on May 2 unanimously adopted a $17,066,191 budget for fiscal year 2024-25, approved targeted budget transfers and amendments to close current-year gaps, and appointed Nicole Dudding to the county Social Services Board.

Chair Jesse Spence called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and, after approving the consent agenda, the board moved through several budget items. The FY2024-25 budget the board adopted for planning purposes lists total county and school revenues and expenditures of $17,066,191 and includes a one-time local transfer of $2,090,907 to Craig County Public Schools. The adopted county budget documents a 3% salary increase effective July 1, 2024, contingent on Commonwealth reimbursement.

The board approved several related resolutions by unanimous votes. Resolution R24-32 transferred $60,000 from contingency and risk management to department medical salary lines to cover increased employer health benefit costs (allocations included $37,825; $14,784; $7,391). Resolution R24-33 amended the current fiscal year budget to recognize donations and grants totaling $34,041, including $1,075 for the Sheriff'Hooked on Fishing event, $225 memorial donations to EMS, $443 treasurer training reimbursement, $3,700 from Friends of the Library, and a $14,598 Litter Prevention grant from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to be shared with the Town of New Castle. Resolution R24-34 added $27,947 of state Compensation Board revenue to partially fund mandated salary increases for the Sheriff ($17,653) and the Commonwealth'Attorney'assistant ($10,294).

Board members recorded motions and unanimous votes on each item. For example, the FY2024-25 budget (R24-35) was moved by Mr. Dunbar and seconded by Mr. Spence; the vote was recorded as Mr. Labiosa, yes; Mr. Dunbar, yes; Mr. Bailey, yes; and Mr. Spence, yes. Appointments were handled in open session: Resolution R24-31 appoints Nicole Dudding to serve on the Social Services Board representing the Craigs Creek District for a term of July 1, 2024to June 30, 2028; the board approved the appointment by unanimous vote after Mr. Dunbar moved and Mr. Labiosa seconded.

The board also approved Resolution R24-36 to adopt the Virginia Department of TransportationSecondary System Six-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-25 through 2030-31 after a brief public hearing that produced no comments. Mr. Bailey moved and Mr. Dunbar seconded that resolution; the vote was unanimous.

Supervisor Jordan Labiosa took a moment to commend Craig County Schools staff, specifically Mr. Huff and his team, for assistance that helped a student graduate, saying they went "above and beyond." The agenda included recognition of EMS staff Darryl Humphries by way of a letter and a public call for applause from resident Valerie Peregoy.

No additional formal action resulted from the subsequent closed session on personnel matters; Chair Spence announced the meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.

What this means: The adopted FY25 budget keeps county and school spending balanced at planning levels, secures a one-time local transfer to schools, funds modest salary increases contingent on state reimbursement, and leaves the board positioned to implement the listed transfers and grant distributions during the fiscal year. Votes were unanimous and no contested decisions were recorded.