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Buckingham County supervisors set 2026 real‑estate tax at 44 cents after reserve debate
Summary
After extended debate about reserve levels and how much each penny of tax yields, the Buckingham County Board of Supervisors voted to set the 2026 real‑estate tax rate at 44¢ and keep public‑service rates aligned with real estate.
The Buckingham County Board of Supervisors voted to set the county's 2026 real‑estate tax rate at 44¢ after members debated whether to hold at a lower breakeven rate or approve the advertised 48¢ proposal.
The measure, moved by a board member (S5) and seconded by a colleague (S3), passed when the chair recorded five votes in favor. The motion also directed that public service corporation rates follow the real‑estate rate.
Why it mattered: Supervisors clashed over immediate affordability versus long‑term fiscal health. One board member (S6) said he could not support the advertised 48¢ rate: "I don't know that I can support a 48¢ real estate tax," echoing concerns from other members about pocketbook impacts such as high fuel prices. Another member (S3) argued the county needs about 42¢ to "basically cover the budget," pointing to a larger $73 million spending plan this year.
Reserve levels and planned uses were central to the debate. A supervisor (S3) noted reserves had fallen from over $9 million six years ago to around $5.5 million now and cited the state recommendation that a fund balance be roughly 10% of the budget. Staff and board members listed specific planned uses for additional revenue, including vehicle reserves, EMS vehicle purchases, sheriff's department costs and pay increases.
A board member (S4) framed the choice as a timing question: "Do I think it needs to be built back up? Yes. Do I think this is a proper year to do it? No." Others warned that setting the rate too low could require larger increases later if costs rise.
Before the vote a board member (S2) read a conflict‑of‑interest disclosure, saying they had requested an opinion from the Commonwealth's attorney and were cleared to participate and vote despite employment with Buckingham County Public Schools.
The board's 44¢ decision represents a compromise between members who urged preserving reserves and those pressing not to increase recurring local tax burdens in a year of high consumer costs. The supervisors recorded the vote and moved on to the next agenda item.
