Government

    School budget issues were a major feature of Monday night’s board of supervisors meeting.

    School Board Chairman Gary Hostutler came before the supervisors to ask for $2 million in one time funding. His request covered eight items.
    Hostutler asked for money to fund a new central office phone system at a cost of $17,000.  He also asked for $50,000 for school security. He said this would finish the job of providing a controlled entrance at all schools, requiring visitors to be buzzed in.

    Bedford Town Council adopted a budget last week that contains a hike in the meals tax rate. However, the transient occupancy tax rate will stay where it is.

    Bedford County now has a budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.
    The budget, which calls for $94 million in general fund expenditures, passed on a 4-3 vote with District 1 Supervisor Bill Thomasson, District 4 Supervisor John Sharp, District 5 Supervisor Tommy Scott and Board Chairman Steve Wilkerson voting in favor. District 2 Supervisor Curry Martin, District 6 Supervisor Andy Dooley and District 7 Supervisor Kevin Willis cast the dissenting votes.

    Bedford Fire Chief Brad Creasy said claims that local fire departments didn’t do all that they could to save a home on Montevideo Road last Wednesday are false.
    On April 20 at about 9:58 p.m. the Bedford Fire Department responded to 1972 Montevideo Road for a report of fire at the historic home.