Richmond Council retains $1.20 real-estate tax rate after heated public hearing

Richmond City Council on Oct. 14 voted to keep the citys real-estate tax rate at $1.20 for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2026, rejecting an alternative proposal that would have set the rate at $1.16.

The decision came after a public hearing that drew dozens of speakers, labor representatives and community members who sharply disagreed over whether the city can afford a rollback. Supporters of keeping the rate warned that cutting the levy would force reductions to services and to priorities the council has recently funded; supporters of a cut argued it would provide relief to homeowners facing rising assessments.

Chief administrative officer Odie Donnell told council the administrations recommendation was to maintain the $1.20 rate, saying the city faces persistent obligations and limited flexibility in its operating budget. Donnell cited two financial constraints repeatedly raised during the hearing: the citys reliance on property tax as a major revenue source and an…