Manassas Park adopts FY2026 budget after heated debate over proposed water-rate increase

Manassas Park’s governing body voted on June 24 to adopt the fiscal year 2026 budget after extended debate about water-rate increases and how to protect residents from rising utility costs. City Manager Calvin presented a balanced budget proposal that included a 1¢ reduction in the real-estate tax rate, a citywide 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for most staff and a modest increase in water rates meant to cover enterprise fund shortfalls.

Council members disagreed on whether to accept the proposed water increase. One motion — to keep the water increase at 0% while otherwise approving the budget — was moved and seconded but failed on a roll-call vote. Several councilors urged hiring an outside consultant to perform a detailed water/rate study before adopting longer-term increases; others said the city must pass a balanced budget by the statutory deadline and that delaying a water-rate increase would only defer larger increases in the future.

City Manager Calvin said the city is statutorily obligated to pass the budget by June 30, and stated the administration will make an immediate priority of the enterprise fund study once the new fiscal year starts. ‘‘We’re statutorily obligated to pass,’’ the manager said during the discussion. Council ultimately adopted the FY2026 budget as presented following individual roll-call votes; the mayor announced the motion passed after the required yeas and nays.

Councillors who opposed the budget expressed concerns about resident hardship amid increasing property assessments and utility bills; others emphasized the need to maintain services, staff positions and a balanced fiscal plan. The adopted budget also included first-quarter appropriations and paved the way for department-level spending for the first quarter of FY2026.