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Buckingham County presents $73.8 million FY27 budget; reassessment triggers tax-rate discussion
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Summary
County staff presented a proposed FY27 operating budget totaling $73,830,710 that includes a 3% raise and 2% bonus, one new EMS position and an advertised real-estate tax rate of 48¢; presenters and residents discussed average assessment increases of about 66% and the board scheduled a reconvening to adopt tax rates.
County staff presented the proposed fiscal year 2027 operating budget and emphasized key assumptions and next steps. The presenter (county staff) said the total proposed budget is $73,830,710, includes a 3% pay increase and a 2% bonus for employees, adds one new EMS position and reflects higher health-insurance costs. The presenter noted that the FY27 budget is balanced on the assumption of receipt of federal, state and local revenues and that some numbers will change pending the state's final budget.
Staff explained the county's recent reassessment: total assessed values rose substantially, producing an "equalized" tax rate estimate of 36¢ that would yield revenue equivalent to the prior 60¢ baseline. The advertised rate for FY27 presented to the board is 48¢; staff said that under the advertised 48¢ rate some taxpayers would see an increase because assessments rose on average about 66%. The presenter gave examples showing a typical $100,000 property would pay about $600 now and nearly $800 under the new values and the advertised rate.
Residents used the budget hearing to press the board on reassessment transparency and the timeline for appeals. William James (public commenter) alleged a lack of transparency from the county's vendor and claimed he was denied full methodology and that legal protections may have been violated during reassessment hearings. The school system also surfaced in the budget presentation: the school board requested an additional $383,717 in local appropriation; staff noted the school budget is the county's largest single category.
The board opened the public hearing but took no final action on FY27; staff said the board would reconvene next Monday at 5 p.m. to adopt the budget and tax rates. Several supervisors signaled concern about the advertised 48¢ rate and asked for further discussion before final adoption.
Votes at the meeting included unanimous procedural votes to approve the work agenda, minutes and claims earlier in the session and a unanimous vote later in the meeting to approve FY26 budget adjustments submitted by the school division (see Votes at a glance).
