Planning and zoning department outlines FY26 budget projections, cites fee increases and staff workload

Warren County’s planning and zoning director reviewed the department’s FY26 budget request with the Board of Supervisors, emphasizing fee increases that took effect July 1, 2023, growing permit revenue, and staffing and professional-services needs tied to increased building activity.

The director told the board the department set FY26 revenue unchanged from the FY25 amended budget at $143,500 but reported collections of $86,828 through Dec. 31, 2024. "If you double that, looks like we will be over the 143,500," the director said, noting that higher permit volume and the 2023 fee schedule are driving additional revenue. County staff observed the department’s conservatism in revenue projections and agreed final revenue figures will be set centrally as part of the county budget process.

The director identified a quoted range of $65,000–$100,000 for fiscal-impact modeling and said the department is working with the regional commission to reuse an older fiscal-impact model and obtain training instead of purchasing a new study. The department also said it will reapply for a Virginia Department of Emergency Management grant that previously covered GIS licensing costs.

Board members pressed staffing and enforcement concerns. The planning director said the department collected significantly more in permits in the latest year and is projecting higher revenue but remains understaffed; the director noted a decrease of $14,237 in one personnel line after a new hire’s starting salary was lower than a predecessor’s. The director requested the board consider merit increases and promotions for staff and outlined a need for additional personnel or overtime to address plan review, building inspections and land-use work.

No formal budget actions were recorded in the transcript; the presentation was provided as part of the FY26 review.