Louisa County hears FY2027 budget updates, announces public hearings on clarifier project and tax assessments

Louisa County staff on March 16 updated the Board of Supervisors on FY2027 budget adjustments and scheduled public hearings for several capital items and tax‑assessment matters.

Finance staff (Miss Colvin) told the board that employer health‑insurance costs are forecast to rise 16% (up from an earlier 10% estimate), and that several planned capital items were shifted in the capital plan to align with regulatory and contract timing. She said staff moved previously planned Henson House upgrades into 2027 and that certain water authority projects may be funded from sale proceeds rather than issuing higher‑cost new debt.

A key capital item discussed was a clarifier at the Ferncliff Water Treatment Plant. An agency official described the clarifier as part of the plant's original 2015 design that was deferred until end‑user demand and regulatory changes warranted construction. Miss Colvin announced a projected cost of $11,500,000 for that clarifier portion and said the board will hold a public hearing at its next meeting to consider including the expense in the county budget.

School grant and budget supplement: The board approved a budget supplement to add a $3,900,000 School Construction Assistance Program grant to Louisa County Public Schools’ budget for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center project; the board also noted that $3,000,000 was freed up in the county budget to move toward the elementary school project.

Real‑estate assessments and public comment: Under Code §58.1‑3332.1 (explained by Miss Colvin), the county held a public hearing required when annual assessments exceed statutory thresholds. Miss Colvin provided illustrative rates (the current rate and the lower rate the county could adopt if it chose), and emphasized no tax‑rate decision was being made that night. Dozens of residents spoke about sharply rising assessments and requested relief options such as tax rebates, caps, or fixed budgets. Several speakers said their assessments and taxes have risen dramatically in recent years and urged the board to consider options to ease the burden.

Budget outreach: Miss Colvin announced budget roadshow meetings (March 24 at Jewett Elementary, March 31 at the middle school, and April 1 at Trevillion) to give residents more opportunity for detailed review and Q&A ahead of the budget public hearing.

Quotes: "The clarifier portion will cost $11,500,000," Miss Colvin said. Supervisor comments noted that data centers have brought significant tax revenue but also raised concerns about infrastructure costs including water upgrades; one supervisor said the county must balance revenue with long‑term infrastructure needs.

The board approved the $3.9M school grant supplement unanimously; no final decision was made that night on the real‑estate tax rate. Residents were encouraged to attend the roadshow meetings for further budget details.