Virginia officials present plan to cut preliminary 22.1% levy to roughly 8.49% after public outcry

Virginia City officials outlined their 2026 budget and levy process at a Truth in Taxation hearing on Dec. 9, saying staff had pared a September preliminary levy increase of 22.1% down to roughly 8.49% as of early December.

Brit C. Bennis, the city administrator, walked listeners through how the levy is set and how county property valuations, levy components (general levy, bonded debt levy, road/bridge levy, economic development levy) and fiscal-disparities payments interact to determine final tax bills. She told residents the city has worked to reduce the draft levy and that the council must adopt a final levy by Dec. 31; final tax statements are expected in February or March and may differ from the preliminary notices.

Residents sharply criticized the proposed increases during public comment. “We are at a crisis with our spending and our debt,” said Kathy Katie, a Virginia resident who urged a 25% budget cut and reductions in library and recreation spending. Long-time resident Greg Lindsey warned the council about the city’s fiscal exposure, stating, “We are $119,000,000 in debt.” Other residents reported individual proposed tax increases ranging from roughly 50% to more than 150% when compared with their prior year statements.

Council members acknowledged the public’s frustration. Councilor Motley said, “I think you’re overtaxed,” and urged continued work to find savings and alternative service models. Councilors and staff described options the city is exploring, including renegotiating leases, reviewing debt terms and targeting reductions across departmental budgets. Bennis and staff said some costs are subject to contracts and statutory constraints and that some revenue changes reflect state and county decisions beyond the city’s direct control.

City staff also reviewed the composition of the city’s debt and budget: public safety and streets make up the largest shares of the general fund, and the city uses a mix of levy dollars, state aid and other revenues to meet obligations. Bennis told the audience the city’s total debt was under $91 million in the figures staff reviewed but explained that different presenters and commenters referenced different totals and that some public comments included broader liabilities such as retiree benefits.

The council did not adopt a final levy at the meeting; staff said further adjustments are possible and that the council is likely to act at the next regular meeting on Dec. 23 if a special meeting is not scheduled before the statutory Dec. 31 deadline. Residents were encouraged to review the city’s presentation—posted to the city website—and submit written comments or request additional information about tax relief programs and appeals of property valuations to the county board of appeals and equalization.

The next procedural step is the council’s Dec. 23 meeting, when it plans to consider final levy adoption following continued budget review and public input.