By Matt de Simone
At its June 24 meeting, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors officially adopted the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Budget Appropriation Resolution, setting total appropriations across all funds at $127,457,782. The board also approved the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2027 through 2030 for planning purposes only, aiming to guide long-term infrastructure and development priorities.
The FY26 general fund was approved at $66,414,341, supporting a wide range of county operations including public safety, education, health, human services, and general government. Among the significant appropriations were $10,055,816 for Fire & EMS services, $8,443,275 for the Sheriff’s Office, $6,430,344 for Correction and Detention, and $1,037,445 for the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The Communications Department, which supports emergency coordination and public information, received $246,644.
Other notable departmental allocations included $2,297,925 for technology services, $2,834,154 for maintenance of buildings and grounds, and $1,591,070 for the county library system. Parks and Recreation received $980,713, and Economic Development initiatives were funded at $621,910. The board also approved $3,003,725 for capital projects and $9,133,902 for debt service.
In a major investment in public education, the board authorized a local transfer not to exceed $12,947,194 to the school operating fund. Total appropriations for the school fund reached $61,043,440, including $53,701,468 for school operations (including self-sustaining programs), $2,812,332 for school nutrition, $2,856,483 for textbooks, $1,255,564 in the Capital Reserve Fund, and $417,593 from the school construction grant fund.
Although no funds were appropriated as part of the newly adopted Capital Improvements Plan for FY27 through FY30, the plan will act as a blueprint for assessing future capital projects, including schools, public facilities, and transportation upgrades. The board clarified that the CIP is for planning purposes only.
