Russell County supervisors adopt FY 2026–27 budget, preserve school programs

The Russell County Board of Supervisors voted on June 29 to adopt the county operating budget for fiscal year 2026–27 after county and school leaders described line‑item reductions designed to avoid program and staff cuts.

The board approved the budget with a roll‑call vote in which Nate Kaiser voted yes, Andrew Hensley voted no, Tara voted yes, Steve Breeding voted yes, Rebecca Dye voted yes and the Chair voted yes. The motion to "approve the budget as presented" passed and was followed by applause.

Mr. Lester and Dr. Hooker told the board they had worked several days to identify savings. Dr. Hooker said the school division cut planned capital improvements across locations and used contingency funding "so we don't have to cut programs. We have cut capital improvements." On the county side, Mr. Lester said administrators agreed to forgo some salary increases, leave certain positions vacant or rely on retirements and reduce travel and other expenditures to preserve day‑to‑day services.

The board also discussed solid‑waste operations. Mr. Lester said the Moccasin trash site will close when the property is sold because prospective buyers do not want an active disposal site adjacent to their plans, and the county is pursuing regional disposal and transfer options to maintain services.

Separately, staff requested an appropriation correction for school reimbursements and state SOQ position bonus funds to reconcile the accounting books; packet figures discussed in the meeting listed federal reimbursement funds of about $869,825.51 and state bonus funds of about $432,892, for a combined amount presented as roughly $1,302,717.51. The board approved that appropriation by voice vote.

The resolution to adopt and appropriate the operating budget was read into the record with reference to the applicable Virginia budget statute. Board members emphasized a desire to preserve school funding and keep services while moving to address longer‑term revenue concerns.

The board said it will continue intergovernmental coordination and planning for next year’s tighter fiscal situation. The meeting adjourned after brief closing remarks and a prayer.