Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Taxes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Vienna council votes to advertise proposed FY2026 real-estate tax rate after public hearing
Summary
The Vienna Town Council voted 6–1 on April 28 to advertise a notice of intent to adopt a proposed real-estate tax rate of 19.5 cents per $100 of assessed value for fiscal year 2026 after a staff presentation and council questions about equalization, tax relief and reserves.
The Vienna Town Council on April 28 voted to advertise a notice of intent to adopt a proposed real-estate tax rate of 19.5 cents per $100 of assessed value for fiscal year 2026, advancing the rate for final consideration at the May 19 meeting.
"This is a public hearing," Finance Director Steven Barlow told the council as he presented the advertised rate, noting it would be the 13th consecutive year the town has kept its real-estate tax rate unchanged. Barlow said the town manager's approach is to propose a rate that can be sustained while maintaining a rainy-day fund of at least 18% of next year’s budget.
Councilmembers questioned how the advertised figures relate to the equalization calculation that shows how assessment changes affect revenue. Town Attorney explained that state law requires jurisdictions to publish an equalization rate showing the tax that would keep tax bills flat given increased assessments; the advertised rate and the equalized rate differ because assessments rose.
Several councilmembers pressed for context about relief programs. Barlow said the town participates in county-administered real-estate tax relief for the elderly, disabled and veterans and that more information is available in the finance office and online.
Councilmember Anderson, citing economic uncertainty, said he favored fiscal conservatism: "There are some uncertainties right now... they frankly frighten me a lot," and he supported maintaining the current rate to preserve reserves. Councilmember Allen dissented, urging more direct aid for lower-income and fixed-income residents and voting "nay."
After discussion, Councilmember Ramakas moved to approve the advertised rate and direct the town clerk to publish a notice of intent to adopt on May 19; the motion passed 6–1, with Allen voting no. The council will consider adoption of the tax rate together with the budget and water/sewer rates at a May 19 meeting.
Budget and procedural documents referenced during the hearing are available through the town's meeting materials.
