Staunton Council debates fiscal 2026 budget with proposed property tax increase to 91¢

The Staunton City Council convened on April 24, 2025, for a work session and regular meeting focused on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, totaling $164,535,789. The meeting began with a presentation by Jessie Moyer, who outlined the budget details, including a city budget of approximately $112.8 million and a school budget of about $51.7 million. A significant local transfer of $18.9 million to the school system was noted, reflecting a 9.55% increase.

Moyer highlighted that the proposed real estate tax rate would be set at 91 cents per $100 of assessed value, with no other changes to tax rates or fees. The budget also includes a 3% cost of living adjustment for employees and provisions for new positions related to the upcoming courthouse opening. Additionally, funding was restored for previously frozen positions in the traffic and water distribution departments.

Discussions among council members revealed a strong focus on addressing the city's infrastructure needs, with $134 million in unfunded capital projects identified. Concerns were raised about the affordability of the proposed tax rate, especially given that 46% of residents fall below the asset-limited income constrained employed (ALICE) threshold. Some council members advocated for a lower tax rate of 90 cents, arguing that it would ease the financial burden on residents while still allowing for necessary infrastructure investments.

The council debated the implications of the proposed tax rate increase, with some members emphasizing the need for immediate action to address long-standing infrastructure issues, while others expressed caution about the potential impact on residents' finances. Ultimately, a motion was made to adopt the budget with a fixed real estate tax rate of 90 cents, which would reduce projected revenue for infrastructure projects.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the challenges ahead, as council members acknowledged the need to balance fiscal responsibility with the welfare of the community. The council plans to revisit the budget and tax rates in future sessions, aiming to find a sustainable path forward for the city’s financial health and infrastructure needs.