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Southampton County proposes $87.9 million FY26 budget with no tax increase; water rates to rise $5
Summary
County staff presented a proposed FY26 budget totaling $87,887,099 that pauses local tax increases, includes a 3% cost‑of‑living raise for full‑time staff, and a $5 increase to water and sewer rates to shore up the enterprise fund.
Southampton County leaders presented a proposed FY26 operating and capital plan on April 9 that they say balances service needs without raising local tax rates. County staff summarized a $87,887,099 fiscal plan that includes no property‑tax increase, a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for full‑time employees and a $5 increase in water and sewer rates.
The proposal, introduced by county staff, breaks the budget into a general fund of roughly $28.2 million, an enterprise fund for water and sewer near $4.98 million, an $11.37 million building fund tied largely to remaining courthouse bond financing, and school and service funds covering education and social services. Officials said the $5 water and sewer increase is intended to reduce reliance on the general fund and steer the utility fund toward self‑sufficiency.
Why it matters: The plan funds a 3% COLA for employees and adds one locally funded paralegal position for the commonwealth's attorney, while maintaining the county’s current tax rate. County staff told supervisors the rate adjustments are designed to balance operating needs and long‑term financial policy goals.
Key spending highlights include continued bond payments and project financing for the courthouse and a radio system project in partnership with the city of Franklin; increased support for volunteer fire and rescue agencies (combined increases to department contributions and association support); and fire and rescue capital work to store medications and medical supplies.
Staff also recommended $85,000 for a facility space and safety assessment, $90,000 for a compensation and classification study covering county positions (including constitutional officers), and $95,000 for ongoing maintenance of four county water tanks. County officials said the compensation study responds to a long gap since the last review and would help recruitment and retention.
What was not decided: The presentation was informational; supervisors did not vote on adoption at the April 9 session. Staff noted some CIP items shown for FY26 have existing financing while others would require new financing and future board approval.
Next steps: Supervisors are scheduled to continue budget deliberations at their next meeting on April 16, where staff and department heads may be asked to provide further detail on particular requests.
