Craig County approves generator grant, budget amendments and $15,000 for school gym equipment

The Craig County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 8 approved several budget changes and school-related investments, including a $503,000 Virginia Department of Emergency Management grant to buy a permanent standby generator for Craig County Public Schools.

The board adopted Resolution R26-04 to accept the grant, which provides $337,010 from the Commonwealth and requires a $165,990 local match to be transferred from the county’s capital improvement funds. Chair Jesse Spence said the generator will support the schools’ role as the county’s emergency shelter. Dan Collins, the county clerk, confirmed the transfer will come from LATCF capital funds.

In the same meeting the board passed R26-03, amending the FY2025–26 budget to add $21,537 in revenue and appropriations: $9,748 from an opioid settlement to the Opioid Fund, $177 in sheriff seizure funds, and an $11,612 litter-prevention grant (county share $9,953; Town of New Castle $1,659). The board also approved a small additional appropriation of $2,594 (R26-05) for courthouse front-brick sealing as a change order associated with earlier roof and wall repairs.

Superintendent Dr. Jason Wheeler told the board Schneider Electric recommended maintaining a relatively new electric water heater and estimated roughly $14,000 in annual savings from an energy-efficiency project discussed with the board.

Separately, the board approved a motion to contribute $15,000 from fund balance to purchase new gym equipment for Craig County High School. Supervisor Jordan Labiosa initially proposed $9,000; Chair Spence moved to increase the contribution to $15,000 and the board voted unanimously to approve the higher amount.

The board accepted the FY2026 budget meeting schedule and completed the consent agenda earlier in the session. The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.