Board adopts FY26 budget after heated public comment; staff to forward report on spending priorities

James City County supervisors voted unanimously to adopt the fiscal year 2026 budget and a companion resolution of appropriations after a night of extensive public comment and board discussion.

The adopted budget maintains the county’s real estate tax rate at $0.83 per $100 of assessed value and sets a general fund of about $263.7 million. The package includes a 3% general pay increase effective July 1, 2025, a potential additional 1% on January 1, 2026 if funds allow, five new full‑time positions, and an added allocation of $3.9 million for the Williamsburg‑James City County Schools (WJCC). Prior to adoption staff recorded one amendment: a $1 million increase to the county contribution for school operations funded by internal adjustments.

Why it mattered: Public speakers filled much of the meeting’s public comment period to oppose a perceived “21%” tax rate increase (a five‑year comparison that many speakers described as unaffordable). Speakers repeatedly urged the board to scale back capital projects—the most visible being a proposed consolidated government campus and a new library—and to put major bond measures to referendum.

Representative public comments: Steven Mains, who identified himself as a long‑time resident, told the board: “You expect James City County citizens, 34% of whom are on public or private assistance, to pay for your spending.” Several widows and retirees said fixed Social Security incomes would be strained by continuing assessment increases; other speakers asked the board to prioritize operating essentials and to present major capital projects for voter approval.

Board response and rationale: County leaders and staff repeatedly emphasized the budget’s context. County staff noted that FY26 is a non‑reassessment year and that the larger recent revenue growth arises from a prior reassessment and from cumulative staffing and operating needs. Officials described a multi‑year effort—beginning years earlier—to raise entry‑level and mid‑range salaries to improve recruitment and retention across public safety, maintenance, and other county services. Staff highlighted one outcome: improved stability and reduced turnover in grounds maintenance following prior pay adjustments.

Board action and votes: After discussion the board approved the FY26 budget and appropriation resolution by roll call (all votes “Aye”). The formal motion authorized the county administrator and staff to implement the adopted appropriations, with the added $1 million to schools reflected in the final action.

Ending: Supervisors said they would continue to monitor assessment trends and budget pressures heading into the next fiscal cycle and invited additional public engagement on major capital proposals, including whether some projects should be decided by referendum.