County Council Addresses Fiscal Irregularities and Dual Enrollment Concerns in Chesterfield County

Concerns over fiscal accountability took center stage at the Chesterfield County Finance Committee meeting on August 18, 2025, as community member Steit Beyer raised alarming issues regarding dual enrollment programs and significant financial discrepancies.

Beyer highlighted a troubling report from the state inspector general, revealing over $461,000 in questionable expenditures related to the Northeastern Technical College (NETC). He emphasized that this amount could cover more than 30,000 credit hours at a proposed additional cost of $15 per credit hour for students. "What does it mean to the taxpayers of Chesterfield County? It means spending our money wisely," Beyer stated, calling for greater accountability in how funds are managed.

The discussion also touched on the dual enrollment program, which was intended to boost student participation. However, Beyer pointed out that 67% of students auto-enrolled were unaware of their enrollment, raising concerns about the program's effectiveness. He questioned the performance-based salary increases received by NETC officials, suggesting that these raises were tied to inflated enrollment figures that may not reflect reality.

Beyer’s remarks underscored a broader call for transparency and responsible financial practices within the county, urging officials to reconsider how taxpayer money is allocated and spent. As the meeting concluded, the implications of these findings left many in attendance pondering the future of fiscal management in Chesterfield County.