[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6099184,"mediaKeyId","2820679-77553604c8d2032dbce8481bf70bb3bb","parentId",2820679,"title","Council reviews proposed FY2026 budget and hears public comment on proposed 91¢ tax rate; multiple routine motions approved","audioSeconds",2242,"startMs",2806000,"endMs",5048000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2820679-77553604c8d2032dbce8481bf70bb3bb&start=2806&end=5048","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2820679-77553604c8d2032dbce8481bf70bb3bb/thumbnail_2806000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6099184/Staunton-City/Virginia/Council-reviews-proposed-FY2026-budget-and-hears-public-comment-on-proposed-91-tax-rate-multiple-routine-motions-approved","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099184-6b0575deb2f7c82d79102674249e9230/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418148&Signature=d2prTnUMdGgWGiT1bOUH5DPnlvU4zOG~81~5MG1WbAtxIYHlqitVPnW8jzamwg3LQj12PuVfgVl7wn-ImWhjnNTn7buNcIX5O6hPZLXn1n8LSqLaeL3Y1eUIdTbuDqFZYdwNDwR8EWuYEsnfSlkrpbL0a-yY0dH-FrulP9jkWlGxCTJ15tWCdah84ZgbfptQxbWc3sR1U7-j2uLOm~qZyYVQMsqKDvEHK4l1T49J0MRHpbJx78SKJrVxF1FwAwOvKNr1OL~drDnGO6CBe6itOYRmyQnqwPIYpMFD6hhQZD-vHJGF1oahsQXh5qIcCuLlGr-kxmLMtpt~djzz4Icolg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-28T16:05:00Z","article","City staff presented the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget to the Staunton City Council on March 27 and opened a public hearing on a proposed real-estate tax rate of $0.91 per $100 of assessed value.

Budget highlights presented by City Manager Leslie Beauregard and finance staff include:
- Total proposed budget: $164,000,000 for FY2026 (all funds).
- General fund: $79,600,000 (an increase of about $6.1 million from FY2025).
- Proposed local contribution to the schools: increase of about $1,647,852 (about a 9.55% increase to comply with a previously adopted funding formula).
- Proposed personnel changes: 3% cost-of-living adjustment for full- and part-time city employees, structural salary adjustments, a 10% projected increase in health-insurance costs (shared equally between city and employees in the proposal).
- Capital and infrastructure emphasis: transfer of revenue representing 2¢ of the proposed 91¢ rate to a capital infrastructure account focused first on tunnels that run beneath downtown; staff cited recent tunnel structural issues (Wiley Wilson performing a tunnel survey funded with ARPA) and said these needs increase the urgency to hold flexible funds.
- No proposed utility rate increases for FY2026; staff said water, sewer and stormwater fees may need review next year given significant capital needs including an estimated $5,000,000 city share for the Augusta Regional Landfill five-year capital plan.
- Other notable changes: $1.1 million in VDOT reimbursable revenue assumed (restricted uses), increased Children’s Services Act costs, and increased support requests from regional social-service partners including Valley Community Services Board and the Children’s Advocacy Center.

Staff walked through debt-policy ratios the city tracks: net direct debt as percent of assessed value (limit 4.0; proposed 1.96), debt service as percent of total government expenditures (limit 15.0; proposed 8.72) and the 10-year principal-repayment ratio (required >=50%; projected 49.27 in FY26 and projected to meet the 50% threshold in FY27).

The budget presentation also described proposed capital projects: a replacement Gypsy Hill pool house with a construction budget of $2.5 million (partly funded from interest earned on CIP and ARPA funds), and sidewalk and road projects including the Edgewood sidewalk estimate that rose in VDOT’s revised projection from about $1.1 million to between $4.0 million and $4.7 million.

Public Hearing: After the staff presentation the council held a public hearing limited to the proposed 91¢ tax rate. Speakers urged both sides of the debate:
- Roger Priore urged a reduction to an 80¢ rate, arguing assessments rise and local market indicators show price softening, and said a lower rate would reduce pressure on renters and owners on fixed incomes.
- Gretchen Wazell raised a concern about a large assessment increase on her property and was referred to the city assessor.
- Pamela Mason Wagner said she supports the 91¢ rate, noting the city provides services that residents value.
- Former Mayor Steve Claffey urged caution about a higher rate, saying Staunton is less competitive with nearby localities on tax rate.
- Vonda Lacey, a realtor and member of a housing-summit committee, urged careful use of additional revenues and accountability for funded organizations and projects.

Council votes and procedural actions taken during the meeting included routine approvals and two formal items requiring roll-call votes. \"Votes at a glance\" (actions recorded during the meeting):
- Motion to allow Councilor Overholtzer to participate remotely pursuant to the city procedural memorandum: approved (roll call: Miss Woods Aye; Mr. Shepherd Aye; Miss Park Aye; Vice Mayor Arrowood Aye; Mayor Edwards Aye). Outcome: approved.
- Motion to approve the work-session and regular meeting agendas as presented: approved (same roll-call pattern noted above). Outcome: approved.
- Motion to approve the consent agenda (routine noncontroversial items) including listed consent items: approved (roll call: Mr. Shepherd Aye; Mr. Overholtzer Aye; Ms. Woods Aye; Miss Park Aye; Vice Mayor Arrowood Aye; Mayor Edwards Aye). Outcome: approved.
- Motion to permit the Augusta County Landfill trustees to execute two pasture-land leases (to Charles Schooley and Jesse Hershberger): approved (roll call: unanimous of those voting). Outcome: approved.
- Motion to adopt amendments to Staunton City Code section 6.10.01 (removing criminal misdemeanor language related to rabies vaccination penalties to align code with a 2002 decriminalization change): approved (roll call: unanimous of those voting). Outcome: adopted.

Next steps and schedule: staff said the full budget document had been posted and work sessions on the budget would continue, with a second public hearing on the overall budget scheduled in two weeks and final adoption planned for April 24.

Council asked staff to continue outreach about the proposed rate and to refine budget items during upcoming budget work sessions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 27, 2025 Work Session and Regular Meeting of Staunton City Council","oneSentenceSummary","City staff presented a proposed FY2026 budget totaling $164 million and opened a public hearing on a proposed real-estate tax rate of $0.91 per $100 of assessed value.","taxTitle","Staunton City, Virginia","taxId",60274,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6099189,"Council hears proposal for low-barrier day shelter; Warm Shelter and churches willing to partner",1012,3178000,4190000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2820679-77553604c8d2032dbce8481bf70bb3bb&start=3178&end=4190","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2820679-77553604c8d2032dbce8481bf70bb3bb/thumbnail_3178000.jpg","/articles/6099189/Staunton-City/Virginia/Council-hears-proposal-for-low-barrier-day-shelter-Warm-Shelter-and-churches-willing-to-partner","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099189-7420fa72580ee5c346ecc86858e4ec0d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418148&Signature=V-Z87~~TNPvQVWAF749rzh2XFFDo3mZX9SXbbzJOj7ZcG69Ul1IhkgAjQh1afi-GgPLI8Ve3OZTpNNdY5bUXoDkSEjgoNurDOCPSu5Lz0MTDO5IIzrgF-IBqZngBi4ONr7XLzu1DydY4P-9fUoUoB2YulvVQJQfXS7aswU6pytFOHdzP1erNFOj26CikFYxffiO5ZxEP3D83Z7q0MQZhpvkgNnm4VFL9uddFNNJ5vIKGFIbeyvvlpk7cMH8rx1mqjlrhtSD2FDa5RfvCo2zx3fXZ4jfqR26jFyVg1HeflYuoxZDU3i1IzXTeDkDR4vVTz2d5Y9D4DIQvXdyvMyikaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staunton officials and councilors on March 27 discussed proposals for a low-barrier day shelter intended to provide daytime shelter, basic services and resource navigation for unsheltered people.

Mayor Edwards presented the need for daytime access to services for people who use overnight shelters: she said WARM (Warm Shelter) had served more than 200 unique individuals since the November seasonal shelter-opening date and recorded more than 1,000 stays in that period. The mayor and other presenters told council that many people now move between evening shelter locations and daytime public spaces without access to trained resource navigators who can help with identification documents, benefits, health care and housing referrals.

Edwards and other speakers, including representatives of local service providers, said some people cannot or will not use high-barrier night shelters because of rules or because of behavioral health and substance-use issues; a daytime, low-barrier site could reach that population. Potential partners and next steps mentioned in the discussion included: a local church willing to host space; WARM Shelter as a possible service provider; Augusta Health’s mobile clinic expanding visits to the site; and other partner agencies providing showers, laundry or employment and housing navigation.

Rebecca Joyce (identified in the meeting as a staff participant in the city’s housing strategy work) told council the day shelter concept fits in the city’s housing stability arm of a broader strategy and offered to incorporate the service into the city’s ongoing planning. Councilors discussed forming a steering committee with city staff, law enforcement, the shelter operator and faith-community partners to scope the program and identify resource needs. Mayor Edwards said she will coordinate staff and partners to move the discussion forward.

Council did not vote on a program at the meeting; councilors expressed general support for further planning and asked staff to return with options for implementation, stewardship and potential budget impacts.","Councilors discussed establishing a low-barrier daytime shelter for unsheltered people. Mayor Edwards and service providers said a day shelter could connect people to services, ease strain on emergency systems and act as a ‘one-stop’ for basic needs; staff will coordinate with partners and integrate the idea into the housing strategy.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6099194,"Council discusses launching Adopt-a-Street program; staff outline modest costs and next steps",642,2463000,3105000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2820679-77553604c8d2032dbce8481bf70bb3bb&start=2463&end=3105","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2820679-77553604c8d2032dbce8481bf70bb3bb/thumbnail_2463000.jpg","/articles/6099194/Staunton-City/Virginia/Council-discusses-launching-Adopt-a-Street-program-staff-outline-modest-costs-and-next-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099194-1dfcae791149e01282c62439e03b18c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418148&Signature=BIK~vw85xPawHf9MdtqOacpjH9BugR9OUSdHmsEHP3xAsURZJXi6XDwpsxPXtse1ECgkjLTJsRbmJts0z~wIKM8GyMZ2qu5GNgPzD7TxSOxcswZNpJY7cJ1vIi5C~v8EhWDticPxrah9rsGfTwYeSKuPyKq9Ofa84HJCjCBuTR9W44MAXhG1AYG70LBDXLhBQ9uvK8oZ6OWYmCP7Ic~fjl~QN6QrpDuXI6jygIp60yzaY~w1razALCmDBeCokM-1c6wa6aGZZxVoI4Ftg-jxmxFVKj1GeCLjmSqrqb3JCEKLkoeoH1FwZjKrgeKkHoZYQBIMUgtECY3gWIexJGaJHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staunton City Council discussed on March 27 whether to convert a passive Adopt-a-Street program into an active, city-supported volunteer cleanup program, with potential benefits for watershed protection and MS4 stormwater credits.

Councilor Overholtzer introduced the idea and said the program mirrors existing volunteer programs such as Adopt-a-Stream and could protect the watershed by preventing street litter from entering creeks. He said the Lewis Creek Watershed Advisory Committee supports a more active program.

City Manager Leslie Beauregard and public works staff told council the environmental division could administer volunteer sign-ups and coordination while public works would collect the bags volunteers produce and supply basic materials. Public Works staff estimated the more permanent road signs sometimes used by other jurisdictions cost roughly $500 each (including post/foundation work) and said staff can make signs in-house to reduce costs. Beauregard said staff would identify any modest recurring costs during the upcoming budget process if council asks them to pursue a formal program.

Councilors discussed alternatives: one councilor suggested periodic one-day cleanups rather than adopting specific stretches of road; others said signs can be useful community recognition and that businesses or nonprofits could pay for signs if desired. Council discussion indicated broad informal support for the staff recommendation to prepare a resourcing plan during the budget process and to ask staff to report back with a formal program proposal and cost estimates.

No formal vote took place; staff will return with a draft implementation plan and proposed budget items if council agrees to pursue the program.","Councilors discussed making Staunton’s Adopt-a-Street program active rather than passive, with city staff offering to manage coordination and public works to pick up volunteer-collected trash; signs cost about $500 each but are optional and could be donor-funded.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6099199,"City says trash-can rollout largely complete; officials push for bagging, reconciliation phase under way",1078,1323000,2401000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2820679-77553604c8d2032dbce8481bf70bb3bb&start=1323&end=2401","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2820679-77553604c8d2032dbce8481bf70bb3bb/thumbnail_1323000.jpg","/articles/6099199/Staunton-City/Virginia/City-says-trash-can-rollout-largely-complete-officials-push-for-bagging-reconciliation-phase-under-way","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099199-905d08ce3a5299c25ee6601278d611c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418148&Signature=IPnhTOG6O1sWpOc2vT6rDWrwHk1F48mzZfCENJI4g-rx3rU8bBosFS4mrbUpi1dFHCfospLri9AQGuGXN3a5HN2Zn0DWitMICScseJoY-RDj0Xm6v2AcRGC3LkuuqtzIBwK9LNyNbNtZkBVW3PQ4ci~-zMk9GgnRGhycb4VQQ1pmHMF3C9~IsPRYap7lopPXrJ7gZfVIo4VMetS--DsuPBO4Gx3f1FyMBcVLiCxh4~LBR9JrmjikkKm0GhFVzdn2y8AwKOjAWKON-YYCCTNcJ668538uDsKWrao26x-rISHzXpSZsQXpzoLjYTh5jdjnL1izeGCxXaFOK5nAnA2bBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staunton’s public works department told council on March 27 that the city’s trash-can modernization program has seen widespread deployment and is entering a reconciliation phase to correct delivery and sizing issues.

Public Works Director Dave Urban said the residential can rollout began in March and the contractor had delivered about 8,700 cans as of the morning of the meeting, with roughly 700 still to go. He told council crews and contractor staffing levels affect daily deployment rates; the project team has planned a reconciliation stage after delivery to reassign incorrect sizes, resolve serial-number/account mismatches, and respond to residents who request changes after trying their new cans.

Urban said the program’s goals include improving employee safety, increasing operational efficiency using Rubicon route-management software, keeping streets and stormwater systems cleaner, improving curb appeal and diverting waste from the regional landfill. He told council technology on the trucks and route analytics will allow staff to rework routes if needed.

On ordinances and compliance, Urban said trash placed in cans should be bagged: loose debris can blow out during collection and create litter that enters storm systems. The city will use a three-step noncompliance protocol of warning hangtags and – on a third violation – refuse collection of the bagged material until the issue is addressed. He told council there are no program fines; the policy relies on progressive notifications.

Practical details discussed for residents:
- Bag tags for extra trash may be purchased for about $1 at City Hall, Public Works or online; they are to be affixed to each additional bag.
- Second residential cans carry a $12-per-month fee.
- Yard-waste cans are an opt-in service with a $50 refundable deposit charged on the first bill; the city expected yard-waste pickup to be monthly, beginning in June on the first Wednesday of each month.
- The city owns the new cans and will repair normal wear and tear at no charge; damage from prohibited uses (for example, hot ashes) may be charged to the resident.

Urban said the program will include twice-yearly bulky-item pickup (spring and fall) and a centralized recycling center remains an important tool to divert material from the Augusta Regional Landfill. He noted the landfill’s five-year capital plan will require significant capital contributions from member localities and that reducing landfill volume is a long-term fiscal priority.

Councilors asked about accessibility and assistance for residents for whom moving a can is burdensome; Urban said the policy includes an application process for residents with disabilities and that staff had received about 20 applications to date with some approvals. He also said all city garbage trucks have been fitted with mechanical arms to handle the new carts.

Council and staff discussed continued public education on bagging, correct can placement and the timeline for enforcement, which staff said would be phased to allow residents time to adjust.","Public Works briefed council on the refuse modernization rollout: about 8,700 residential cans delivered, a reconciliation stage will begin to correct misdeliveries and size changes, yard-waste opt-in begins with a $50 refundable deposit, and staff warned residents bagged trash must go in bins to limit litter and landfill costs.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6099204,"Friends of the Library present terrace plan; groundbreaking expected in April",1156,157000,1313000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2820679-77553604c8d2032dbce8481bf70bb3bb&start=157&end=1313","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2820679-77553604c8d2032dbce8481bf70bb3bb/thumbnail_157000.jpg","/articles/6099204/Staunton-City/Virginia/Friends-of-the-Library-present-terrace-plan-groundbreaking-expected-in-April","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099204-71923fff951f1c7fb1dac6cee50915de/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418148&Signature=kzRlU5HCpLLkZB-ZLybJOt9Rw01OCZYMN0REqRtEgTXAWo~bsTZHdvX1Wm7Y2vkSLrOFz7MfXQTybFkibgxCqGGGRm8Il5qJPiqBlXuZza-rN-ngegLgknxsRRziEdeDtmrHY7yLQOVzKcsW5dUQ4Ol7xyqI~9ndgkGhjsDjYrQUSANH-XeiLUkkJVpiA9FKFs7ASIdA8IxJABoX1T1DArgHeD7wE81hl1Hu1njmD~DgNSkwyzl-zDgGMwgFiuTCcChqJDfhzqAGw~AfkhGXyf77vvYbo1AMluqTiXVfnQ3QRS5InehcJnN2BIR44qbnbaFHM4bvkYXYOdzds-tpaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Friends of the library volunteers told Staunton City Council on March 27 that a terrace project adjoining the library is moving from design toward construction, with a hoped-for groundbreaking in April.

The project is being led by the Friends of the Library and will be funded in part by a bequest from the estate of Julia Kiesling. Kennen Bowen, a member of the Friends Terrace Committee, said the design changes since earlier briefings include a meandering accessible path that reduces slope and avoids the need for expensive handrails, and a terraced patio with seating and two picnic tables. She told council the shade structure would be a permanent fabric ‘‘sail’’ about 20 feet high at its end and that engineers and specialty contractors are involved in finalizing foundations and material selection.

The Friends say the terrace will provide accessible outdoor programming space, safer circulation for strollers and mobility devices, and a shaded seating area for library users and casual visitors. Bowen said local firms are involved in site work and construction planning, and that Ray Burkholder of Balzer and Associates provided the grading and pathway design. Bowen also named Williams Brothers for tree removal, Valley Landscaping (Caleb Harlow) for hardscape and planting, and Technical Foundations of Sandston, Va., for foundation work. The Friends are working with Guildworks (an out-of-state fabric-structure firm) on the shade sail’s design and manufacture.

Library Director Sarah Skrobus and Assistant City Manager Amanda Kaufman joined the presentation and answered council questions on permitting, maintenance and neighbor outreach. Kaufman told council the Friends and city have completed a memorandum of agreement: when construction is finished the Friends will turn the terrace over to the city, which will assume long-term maintenance. Bowen said permits are in progress and that the group was ‘‘hoping to do a groundbreaking sometime in April’’ and planned a ribbon-cutting when the work is finished.

Council members praised the volunteer effort and the Friends’ preference to work with local contractors where possible. Bowen said site lighting will be low-voltage and downcast to limit light spill toward neighbors, recessed lighting will be included in terraced seating, and the group expects to replace some removed trees and add groundcover after heavy equipment work is complete.

If construction proceeds on the timetable outlined, staff expect the Friends to schedule a ceremonial groundbreaking and later a ribbon-cutting; no construction start date or firm contract amounts were presented to council at the meeting.","Staunton City Council heard an update from the Friends of the Library on a terrace project funded by an estate gift; plans include an accessible meandering path, raised patio, shade sail and landscaping, and the Friends will turn the completed project over to the city.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council reviews proposed FY2026 budget and hears public comment on proposed 91¢ tax rate; multiple routine motions approved

Council hears proposal for low-barrier day shelter; Warm Shelter and churches willing to partner

Council discusses launching Adopt-a-Street program; staff outline modest costs and next steps

City says trash-can rollout largely complete; officials push for bagging, reconciliation phase under way

Friends of the Library present terrace plan; groundbreaking expected in April