Waynesboro to advertise FY2027 budget with proposed 87¢ real‑estate rate; staff outlines 5¢ increase uses

City staff reviewed the FY2027 recommended $77 million general fund budget on April 13 and asked the council to permit staff to advertise a proposed real-estate tax rate of 87¢ per $100 of assessed value for the public hearing scheduled April 27.

City manager staff framed the 5-cent recommended increase as allocated to three priorities: 3 cents for anticipated debt service on the new high school project, 1 cent to support a communications position and salary-scale adjustments for retention, and 1 cent to seed a community vitality fund. "So, that's what's underpins the 5 cent recommendation," the manager told council as he described the distribution of the request.

Staff also proposed enterprise fund adjustments, noting a 5% proposed increase in water rates and a 5% increase in sewer rates to fund capital and system infrastructure needs. Staff emphasized enterprise funds are user-funded and not subsidized by the general fund.

Council signaled agreement to advertise 87¢ for the upcoming public hearing. The advertising step does not finalize the rate; the council may revise the advertised rate downward but cannot advertise a higher rate without a new process. The public hearing on tax and utility rates and the expenditure side is scheduled for April 27.

What happens next: Staff will publish the advertised rate, accept public comment at the April 27 hearing, and the council will refine and adopt the budget in subsequent meetings.