Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s proposed biennial budget includes $132,400 to aid the Town of Farmville in hosting the vice presidential debate in October.

The funds are in the community development category in the governor’s proposed budget.

“Out of the amounts in this item, $132,400 the first year from the general fund is provided to the Town of Farmville to support the vice presidential debate to be hosted at Longwood University,” the budget bill states.

According to Farmville Town Manager Gerald Spates, the town submitted a budget outlining what the money would be used for, including paying for law enforcement overtime and smaller safety-related items.

Though the money is proposed, Spates hopes the Virginia General Assembly will approve the budget item.

“It beats us having to pay for it all,” Spates said.

“There will be a lot for us all to do to prepare in the months ahead, but one of the great opportunities the debate presents is for Longwood, Farmville and the surrounding communities to work hand in glove to get our hometown ready to impress the world next October,” said Longwood spokesman Matthew McWilliams.

“Among our highest hopes from all of this is that the work we do together will strengthen our partnership in ways that will pay dividends lasting long past the debate. Our work together is off to a great start, and will shift into a higher gear over the course of the spring.” 

The proposed budget will span two years, from 2016-18. During even-numbered years, the budget is proposed and amendments are offered in odd-numbered years, according to the state’s department of planning and budget.

“Developing the commonwealth’s budget is a process that takes many months, involving participation from state agencies, the legislature and the public,” according to the department. “The process includes five distinct phases: agency budget preparation, budget development, governor’s and secretarial review, legislative action and budget implementation.”

The General Assembly is set to adopt the budget during the 2016 session.

The vice presidential debate at Longwood is scheduled for Oct. 4.