Schools outline $1.8M cost to fund 4% raises; supervisors consider local match and trade‑offs

School finance staff briefed supervisors on the FY27 compensation package and associated funding needs. School staff said a 4% raise for all employees would have a total cost of about $1.8 million; of that, the state is estimated to provide $1,000,000 while the locality’s required match is roughly $551,447, leaving an unfunded amount of about $245,366.

"For the 4% compensation, for all employees, it's approximately $1,800,000. There's a state contribution of $1,000,000. There's a local required match of $551,000. And the unfunded portion... is $245,366," the school finance official (Ms. Stevens) said. Board members discussed whether a previously proposed county transfer of $1,030,000 would be adequate to meet the required local effort and how any shortfall would affect budget priorities. School staff warned that the timing matters because payroll adjustments, hiring decisions and VRS reporting are contingent on a final appropriation.

Supervisors asked staff to return with a refined number and proposed categories for appropriation in August so the boards could consider a September appropriation resolution. Several board members said they favored finalizing figures before the next pay cycle to avoid contract and payroll disruptions.