Lewis updates Accomack Supervisors on state budget changes impacting County

Accomack County Finance Director Leslie Lewis reported to the Board of Supervisors Wednesday that Governor Glenn Youngkin’s revised budget proposal for Virginia includes two major changes that could significantly impact energy infrastructure and employee compensation in the county.

First, the Governor is proposing nearly $1.5 billion in general fund spending cuts starting July 1, 2025. Among the proposed reductions is a cut to funding for natural gas infrastructure—leaving Accomack County with a potential $900,000 shortfall for an expansion project intended to serve major customers such as Tyson, Perdue, and NASA Wallops Flight Facility.

In response, county leaders have authorized an application for federal community project funding to help bridge the gap. If successful, the funding could keep the project on track.

Second, the revised budget includes a one-time 1.5% bonus for state employees and those in state-supported local positions. The bonus is scheduled for distribution next summer—on June 16 for state employees and July 1 for local government employees in state-supported roles.

However, the bonus may not apply to all local employees. Only those in state-supported positions are guaranteed the payment unless local governing bodies opt to extend the bonus to all staff. That decision could lead to pay disparities within offices where only some employees qualify.

Currently, 217 of Accomack’s 371 employees are approved to receive the bonus. Neighboring Northampton County has already included funding in its FY 2026 budget to extend the bonus to all employees, regardless of state support.

The Accomack Board of Supervisors plans to revisit the issue during its June meeting, once additional financial data is available.