April 21, 2026, Amherst County Board of Supervisors Meeting

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors held a meeting on April 21, 2026, primarily focused on reviewing and discussing the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget and capital improvement plan (CIP). The budget presentation highlighted revenue shortfalls, including decreases in property, sales, and other local taxes, and noted a 14.4% increase in health insurance costs. The proposed budget included funding for capital items such as fire trucks, sheriff vehicles, EMS equipment, and sheriff body cameras, with a total budget of approximately $67 million across all funds. The board discussed potential adjustments to the budget, including reducing the school funding increase and exploring insurance cost-sharing options to mitigate a proposed 49% increase in the real estate tax rate. The board scheduled a follow-up meeting on May 5, 2026, to consider final approval of the budget and tax rate. Additionally, the board approved a special exception for a campground development and a conditional rezoning amendment for a multi-family residential project, both involving site plans and environmental considerations. There were also discussions about enforcement of zoning ordinances and ongoing financial audit efforts. No specific contract awards or procurement vendor selections were detailed, but the budget discussions and capital project financing plans indicate upcoming procurement activity related to public safety vehicles and infrastructure.