Patrick County adopts FY 2026-27 budget and approves employee handbook updates

The Patrick County Board of Supervisors approved the FY 2026-27 county budget and adopted recommended updates to the county employee handbook during its May 2026 meeting.

County staff reported the budget is approximately $71,000 under target for the next fiscal year and praised collaboration with constitutional officers and the school board for helping balance the plan. "We are $71,000 under budget for the next fiscal year," a county staff member said while summarizing the budget status.

After a short request from a supervisor for high-level highlights, staff confirmed the administration and elected officials worked through details over workshop sessions. The board moved to adopt the budget as presented; the motion passed with all recorded members voting aye.

On personnel policy, Donna Schuff, identified in the meeting as the assistant county administrator and human resources director, presented recommended updates to the employee handbook and requested approval effective July 1, 2026 so staff meetings could be held before implementation. The board moved, seconded and approved the handbook updates.

Next steps: The implementation date for the handbook changes is July 1, 2026; county staff will hold employee meetings in advance of that date to review the changes.