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The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors (BOS) began its FY21/22 budget work session on Tuesday, March 30, hearing from various organizations requesting funding for the upcoming year.

The currently proposed budget is $26.3 million.

According to the BOS work session documents, all employees are slated for a 5% salary increase.

There are still several unknown items the BOS is currently waiting to hear about.

Those include the governor’s signature for the budget for constitutional officers and their employees and state-supported local employees, which provided a 5% salary increase effective July 1.

The budget for the schools also provide a 5% salary increase effect July 1.

During last week’s meeting, supervisors heard requests from the Piedmont Habitat for Humanity, Piedmont Senior Resource, Virginia Legal Aid, Virginia Loggers Association and the Charlotte County Fire and Rescue Association, all of which are seeking funding.

The most significant request of the night came from the Charlotte County Fire and Rescue Association.

Association President Walt Bailey addressed the board seeking a host of requests, including $75,000 in funding for each of the county’s seven departments.

The BOS held a second budget work session Tuesday, April 6, in which they planned to discuss the funding for the volunteer fire departments again.

Sam Rabon with Piedmont Habitat for Humanity addressed the BOS, requesting funding of $5,000 for the organization’s Brush with Kindness program.

“This program assist homeowners in need of minor exterior repairs to preserve the safely, health and longevity of their home.” Rabon said.

CEO Justine Young with Piedmont Senior Resource requested $16,797, a $2,612 increase from last year.

According to Young, this is Charlotte County’s 10% match of the Older American Act that they receive. “We ask all counties match the 10% required by the Older American Act based on their population,” Young said.

Director of Development Rhonda Knight with Virginia Legal Aid told the BOS that in 2020 the organization provided legal services in civil cases to 49 Charlotte County citizens free of charge. For FY21/22 they are requesting $7,325.

Virginia Legal Aid provides legal services to low-income clients at no cost.