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Lynchburg hears hours of public comment on proposed tax increase; council does not adopt a rate
Summary
More than four hours of public comment and debate focused on whether to keep the city manager’s proposed real property tax rate, fund schools, the library and a Miller Park pool; council debated motions to set a rate but took no final tax vote.
Lynchburg city council spent an evening hearing wide-ranging public comment April 22 on the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget and real property tax rate, with no tax rate adopted at the meeting.
The city manager presented an operating and capital budget that relies on a manager‑proposed real property tax rate (previously discussed in the budget process) and drew both sustained support and sharp criticism during the public hearing. Speakers who urged maintaining the manager’s proposal pointed to school facility needs, library repairs and employee pay. Opponents urged lowering the tax rate to avoid sharply higher bills for homeowners and renters.
Officials debated several formal motions on the council floor. One motion, as read into the record, would have set…
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