By Heather Michon
Correspondent
Fluvanna’s constitutional officers met with the Board of Supervisors Wednesday (Feb. 14) to discuss proposed budgets for fiscal year 2019 (FY19).
For the most part, County Administrator Steve Nichols’ proposed figures do not differ significantly from the FY18 budget. The circuit court, the treasurer, and the commonwealth’s attorney would see modest decreases, while the sheriff’s office and the commissioner of revenue would see increases.
The biggest jump could be in the sheriff’s office. In FY18 the budget was $3,065,736; the figure proposed for FY19 is $3,151,434 – an increase of $85,700. The biggest chunk of that increase, or about $51,000, comes from pay band adjustments already approved by supervisors. The adjustments allow deputies with additional certifications to earn more money.
The constitutional officers appeared happy with the proposed numbers.
“Honestly, I’m okay with the budget we came up with,” said Treasurer Linda Lenherr. Clerk of the Court Tristana Treadway said she was “pleased and satisfied.”
“You’ve all been really supportive when it comes to funding,” said Commissioner of Revenue Mel Sheridan.
This is just the first step in a lengthy budget process. Each office has specific staffing needs and projects that would need to be approved and funded in future work sessions and meetings.
One example would be a $6,000 allotment for the treasurer’s office to install a secured, drive-up box for residents to drop off their payments.
Discussions will continue into coming weeks. The final figures will be set in mid-April.
