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Chesterfield presents $2.4 billion FY 2026 budget proposal; residents press for tax relief and affordable-housing investment
Summary
County staff presented a consolidated FY 2026 budget proposal totaling about $2.4 billion that includes additional senior program funding, a 7% pay increase for first responders and school-related items; public commenters urged deeper tax relief and increased investment in affordable and manufactured-home housing preservation.
Chesterfield County staff presented a consolidated FY 2026 proposed budget totaling about $2.4 billion and answered public testimony that urged more tax relief and greater investment in affordable housing.
The consolidated proposal combines the school fund, general fund operating budget, public safety, parks and recreation, and a combined utilities operating and capital fund. County staff member Mr. Harris said the proposed consolidated total is "dollars 2,400,000,000.0" and that schools continue to be the largest focus of the county's spending.
Harris highlighted several budget features: an additional $5,000,000 for senior programs (staff indicated this is an added layer of funding), reductions targeted at small-business taxes, and a proposed 7% increase for first responders. Harris also said the county intends to incorporate the school division's requested items—including a 3% raise for teachers and operating costs tied to opening a new middle school—subject to state-level funding decisions that staff and the school superintendent are monitoring.
Members of the public used the hearing to press the board on tax relief and housing. Fred DeMay (Matoaka District) urged deeper tax cuts, saying Chesterfield has among the highest county tax rates in the region and warning that, despite a proposed 1¢ real-estate-rate reduction and a 5% June tax rebate proposal, assessment increases will still raise many taxpayers' bills. Gustavo Espinosa, a community organizer with the Legal Aid Justice Center, asked the county to increase investments in affordable housing and in manufactured-home repair and preservation, specifically citing residents' concerns at a manufactured-home community called Shady Hill in the Bermuda District. Dave Stritzinger and other residents criticized the county's outreach and asked for clearer engagement and responsiveness from finance staff.
Chairman Engle closed the consolidated series of public hearings, and staff said the board will continue working on the budget ahead of a planned adoption session on April 9. No budget votes were taken at the hearing; staff indicated the board may amend the proposed budget as final state funding answers and board direction are received.
