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Public comment centers on schools, libraries and city priorities as council reviews FY2026 budget framework
Summary
During a budget season briefing and public comment period, dozens of citizens addressed Lynchburg City Council on school funding, library renovation and controversial library content; the city manager presented the FY2026 budget framework and highlighted capital priorities including school maintenance and a main-branch library renovation request.
City management presented the broad framework for the FY2026 budget and received extensive public comment on schools, library funding and city priorities.
City Manager (presentation)
The city manager told council the proposed operating plan maintains investments in public safety and workforce retention, proposes a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for city employees, and retains pay progression for sworn police and fire personnel. He also flagged proposed capital priorities: $60 million for school facility maintenance over three years, $12.5 million (noted in the CIP) for main‑branch library renovation, and $10.4 million for Miller Park Pool repairs. Staff described modest water/sewer rate changes to support infrastructure needs and noted the city’s ongoing capital projects such as the Blackwater CSO tunnel.
Public comment themes
More than two dozen citizens…
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