Essex County opens public hearing on FY2026–27 budget; board touts balanced plan with no tax increase

The Essex County Board of Supervisors opened a public hearing April 14 on the proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget and the county—s proposed tax rates, with Chairman Akers saying staff produced "a balanced budget to the county without raising any taxes to the citizens." The board said the proposal would keep the tax rate stable for another year but that any later school appropriation or an increase in the tax rate would require another public hearing.

Why it matters: The hearing begins the formal process before the board votes to adopt the county—s budget on April 23; the document sets spending priorities for county services, schools and capital projects. Board members repeatedly praised staff for producing the draft and stressed transparency if changes become necessary.

Board remarks and next steps Chairman Akers said the draft represents years of work by staff and that "we've at least lowered or kept it stable for the last 9 years," noting the county sought efficiencies to avoid raising taxes. Supervisor John McGruder reminded the public that the county appropriates funding to schools but the school division ultimately decides how to spend the monies the county provides; he said the county is still awaiting the school budget and expects it next month.

Personal property tax relief Kristen, the commissioner of the revenue, told the board personal property counts changed during the year and proposed increasing the draft personal property tax relief rate slightly to 31.25% (from an earlier 31% figure). She said the change would "put us to the good just under $6,000," giving a small cushion for in‑year supplements. Board members discussed the implications but did not adopt a final rate at the meeting.

Public comments Members of the public urged more resources for roadside cleanup. Lou Spencer, of the North District, thanked the board for an increase in litter control funding but told supervisors he did not believe $8,000 "is gonna get us where we need to be," describing repeated concentrations of trash on Clarkstor Road and urging a larger, coordinated effort. Spencer also said his outreach to VDOT produced intermittent repairs but that the most hazardous section still needed resurfacing.

Scheduled actions The board set the budget adoption for 7 p.m. April 23 in the BOE boardroom and scheduled a May work session on May 12. Officials said any substantive increases to school appropriations or tax‑rate changes would require additional public notice and another hearing.

What the board did not decide Members discussed a small school refund (about $15.98) tied to an overpayment but tabled any action on where that refund should reside until the next meeting. The board also heard reports on grants and staffing but deferred final decisions on tax‑rate language until staff and board leaders can reconcile specifics.

The board adjourned after routine announcements and a brief note that Dominion Power rates are expected to rise sharply this year, a development members said could affect future operating and capital decisions.