Charlotte County holds public hearing on proposed FY2025–2026 budget

Vice‑Chair Hazel Bowman Smith called the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors’ public hearing on the proposed fiscal 2025–2026 budget to order on May 28, 2025, at the Administration Building. County Administrator Daniel Witt presented the staff report and summarized revenue sources, projected expenditures, spending increases and capital improvement project requests.

The staff materials presented line‑item estimates for the general fund, school fund, library fund and other special funds and listed an estimated total revenue of $73,090,444 after accounting for interfund transfers. The presentation also listed proposed tax levies for tax year 2026: real estate and mobile homes $0.41 per $100 of assessed value; personal property $3.46 per $100; machinery and tools $3.00 per $100; merchant’s capital $3.20 per $100; and a $25 vehicle registration fee. The materials included figures for ‘‘total revenue all funds’’ in the printed packet; the same packet also shows a slightly different ‘‘total all funds’’ number in a separate table, a discrepancy reflected in the meeting materials.

During public comment, Mr. Terry Ramsey said he was impressed with the presentation and urged the board to add a quarterly report of the county’s revenues and expenditures to board packets. He also asked about the county’s long‑term plan for the rescue squad and recommended closer budget monitoring throughout the year. "I was impressed with the budget presentation," Ramsey said.

Board members asked questions and made brief comments. Vice‑Chair Smith asked which agencies are included in the Public Safety category; Administrator Witt said it covers the sheriff’s office, the rescue squad, fire departments and E‑911. Smith observed that "solar revenue is nearly equivalent to the revenue received from personal property taxes." Supervisor Robert L. Shook asked about evaluation of trade‑in values; Witt said vehicle trade‑in valuations are performed annually. Supervisor Noah Davis requested that the presentation’s dollar‑bill graphic be posted to the county website and social media; Supervisor Derek Toombs thanked staff for the presentation.

No formal action on the budget was recorded at the hearing; Vice‑Chair Smith adjourned the public hearing and returned the board to its regular meeting.

The packet distributed for the hearing includes contact information and instructions for submitting written comments to the Administration Office, by mail, or via email to publiccomments@charlottecountyva.gov.