York County council previews FY26 budget, flags roads, stormwater, industrial land and ag arena as priorities

York County staff outlined the FY26 budget calendar and early revenue forecasts at a March 11 council workshop, and council members used the meeting to surface “big rock” capital priorities they want staff to study ahead of a fast-approaching retreat.

The county’s budget director, Trish Startup, reviewed the calendar, telling council that the county manager will present the FY26 recommended budget at the April 21 meeting and that the public hearing is scheduled for May 13, when outside agencies that request funding will be invited to speak. “We will have the March council retreat where we’ll discuss revenue projections, we’ll really dive into the capital projects discussion, and we will talk more about the budget opportunities and challenge for FY26,” Startup said.

Kevin Niles, the county’s chief financial officer and assistant county manager, gave early revenue guidance, saying York should expect mill value growth “somewhere in the 4 to 5% range” for budgeting purposes and noting that several revenue streams — deed stamps and building permits — are slowing from the post‑COVID surge. “We are seeing revenues coming in slower than in the past,” Niles said. He told council the county will have a firmer number after February data are booked and will update the council at the March retreat.

Why it matters: staff emphasized the need for an early, reasonably firm revenue estimate so council can prioritize capital projects and personnel requests…