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Southampton County staff present balanced budget with no tax increase; public hearing to be scheduled
Summary
County staff presented a balanced proposed budget that keeps tax rates steady while recommending some water and sewer rate increases; the board was asked to authorize publishing the budget and set a public hearing in May, and staff outlined several line-item studies and requests.
County staff presented the Southampton County proposed budget at a work session on April 16, describing it as balanced and not requiring a tax rate increase while including targeted water and sewer rate increases. "No tax increases, some water and sewer rate increases, but no tax increases," a staff presenter said, summarizing the central fiscal approach.
The presentation outlined funding requests from outside organizations — including the Southampton County Public School System, the commonwealth's attorney, the voter registrar, the regional library system, early childhood services and the Western Tidewater Community Services Board — and noted most requests were level-funded in the recommended budget. Staff said the county can reallocate line items within the budget so long as tax rates remain unchanged and reminded the board the next regular meeting will include a request to authorize publishing the budget and to advertise a public hearing at the May meeting.
Staff also identified specific studies and capital projects proposed in the budget year: a $125,000 economic development site study, a $43,100 water-supply planning line, and a proposed $85,000–$95,000 space-needs and security study for the administration building. On the Children's Services Act, staff explained the program is state-mandated and funded roughly 70% by the Commonwealth, leaving an approximate 30% local share; staff said the county only serves statutorily mandated children given treatment costs have risen.
The presentation included a proposed update to the county's tax-relief ordinance for elderly and disabled residents: staff recommended raising the income minimum from $40,399 to $45,000 and increasing exemption thresholds in the ordinance; staff said adoption could be placed on the May agenda and, if approved, would take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
Board members asked follow-up questions on each item and were offered the opportunity to adjust line items before the formal budget publication. Staff emphasized the county remains within its fund balance and debt policy guidelines and that there is some discretionary room to move funds. The board agreed to schedule follow-up opportunities, including inviting the school division to a dedicated session to allow more thorough questioning of the schools’ budget presentation.
