Board adopts $6.9 billion FY2026 budget, creates $8 million schools contingency

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors adopted the county—s fiscal year 2026 budget and property tax rates on April 1, approving a package of operating and capital actions that the county says will fund schools, lower the vehicle tax and adjust several capital projects.

The board approved the FY2026 budget as presented by the county administrator and amended at March budget work sessions, adopted the tax year 2025 property tax rates listed in the action item, and passed the FY2026 appropriations resolutions. The adopted package reduces the contribution to the county—s revenue stabilization fund by $8 million and creates an $8 million Loudoun County Public Schools contingency in the general fund.

The action item that the board approved also adopted amended capital improvement program (CIP) figures through fiscal 2030 and included several capital budget adjustments: a $250,000 transfer from the capital project management account to create a new Fleetwood Road Improvements project and a $1,200,000 appropriation of cash proffer revenue to the linear parks and trails program to construct a pedestrian crossing over Beaver Dam Run. The board additionally appropriated $8.7 million of additional state revenue to the Loudoun County Public Schools operating fund for FY2025 to allow the division to distribute $1,000 bonuses to eligible employees.

Board members framed the vote as a balancing act between tax relief and maintaining services. "The headline here is that Loudoun County is fully funding our budget and fully funding our schools by dropping our tax rate by another 6 cents," said Supervisor Brixman during debate, adding that the county has reduced its tax rate multiple times since 2020. Vice Chair Turner warned the board to watch data-center industry turbulence that could affect revenue in future budgets.

Supervisor DeCrony's remarks noted that the board was able in this cycle to lower the personal property tax on vehicles and hold the general rate, using data center revenue to provide targeted tax relief to residents. Several supervisors thanked staff for the budget process and for the work of the county—s departments.

The motion to adopt the budget was made during the business meeting and carried on a recorded voice vote of 8-0-1 (one supervisor absent). The action item and attachments that the board adopted define the tax rates, FY2026 appropriations resolutions, EMS transport reimbursement rates, and the amended CIP.

The board also directed staff to execute the budget adjustments described above and to return with any required implementation paperwork. Staff said the county will proceed to implement the approved budget and capital amendments subject to routine administrative steps and appropriation timing.

With the vote the board concluded its formal budget process for FY2026 and authorized staff to move forward with the adopted spending and capital program.

Votes at a glance: FY2026 budget adoption (motion and attachments as described in the April 1 action item) — Outcome: approved (voice vote 8-0-1).