Lancaster supervisors continue to tweak next year’s operating budget; school budget approved

Jackie Nunnery

by Jackie Nunnery

LANCASTER—The Lancaster board of supervisors on April 12 discussed capital improvement priorities as recommended by the planning commission and reviewed the latest draft of the county’s 2021-22 operating budget, projecting an increase in the personal property tax on vehicles.

The capital improvement plan now calls for $1,699,276 in projects. The school system is asking for $62,500 in matching funds, should they receive a school security grant, and $197,000 to put toward the early childhood center construction. The nearly $200,000 was originally budgeted as part of the bus replacement schedule, but shifted since buses were not running most of the school year.

The sheriff’s office is asking for $10,000 in planning funds for a required digital radio upgrade; $16,676 to replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) in the jail; and $38,000 to replace a patrol vehicle as part of the regular replacement schedule.

Most of the discussion centered around three other higher ticket …[to-view-more]