Charles City County Board approves balanced FY '26 budget with no tax increase

The Charles City County Board of Supervisors convened on May 27, 2025, to discuss and seek approval for the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY '26) budget. A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement that there would be no tax increase for residents, a relief for property owners as the real estate tax rate will remain at $0.69, consistent with the previous fiscal year.

The budget, totaling $29,714,222, includes several new revenue sources that were not anticipated during the initial budget proposal in April. Notably, the county expects to receive $1.9 million from AES and $1 million from a land sale to C5 LLC, with additional revenues bringing the total to over $3 million. The budget also reflects a conservative estimate of a $14,267 increase in revenue from a new tolling agreement.

In terms of expenditures, the budget proposes a 3% salary increase for county staff and constitutional employees, with the county covering the costs for its staff and a portion of the Department of Social Services salaries. Significant adjustments were made to various departments, including an increase in legal fees to support updates to the municipal code and ongoing legal inquiries.

The meeting also addressed funding for public safety and community services, with specific allocations for the fire and EMS department, schools, and the Department of Social Services. The budget aims to restore the fund balance, with over $2.2 million allocated for this purpose.

Overall, the board emphasized a commitment to maintaining low tax rates while managing costs effectively and exploring additional revenue opportunities. The approval of the FY '26 budget is expected to support continued growth in essential services without imposing additional financial burdens on residents.