James City County proposes $389.5 million FY26 budget; schools receive partial increase, municipal center and library top CIP list

James City County Administrator Scott Stevens on Tuesday presented the county’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget and five‑year capital improvement program (CIP), outlining operating and capital plans, projected revenue sources and next steps in the adoption schedule.

Stevens said the county’s proposed total across all funds is $389,500,000 and that the general fund — the primary operating fund that receives property and sales tax revenue — is proposed at $262,700,000, a 2.9% increase over the current year that equates to about $7.3 million in additional funding.

Stevens emphasized the budget keeps the real‑estate tax rate unchanged at 83 cents per $100 of assessed value but removes a one‑time 5‑cent tax credit that had been included in the prior year’s budget. He said removal of that credit means residents will see higher bills than last year because the credit will no longer offset assessment increases.

“We did not believe it was the right time to impose more on our community,” Stevens said when explaining why some requested items, including additional school funding and staff positions, were not recommended.

Schools and operating decisions

Cheryl McCarthy, the county’s Financial Management…