York County administrator pitches FY27 budget with compensation pay raises and proposed meals tax increase

County Administrator Mark Bellamy on Tuesday outlined York County’s proposed fiscal year 2027 spending plan, telling the Board of Supervisors the budget “is more than numbers — it’s a reflection of our priorities and our commitment to the community.” The FY27 general fund budget presented to the board totals $214 million, an increase Board materials show of about $14.6 million from the prior year, and the countywide all‑fund operating total for FY27 (less transfers) was discussed during the presentation.

Bellamy said the largest driver of the proposed increase is implementing a recent compensation study and related investments in the county workforce, noting that roughly half of the general fund increase is tied to compensation adjustments and that “approximately 63% of those adjustments support our public safety personnel.” He added the budget includes targeted investments in schools — a $1.2 million increase for the school division — and new staff positions across the organization (including a senior appraiser and roles in finance and human resources).

To diversify revenue and reduce pressure on residential taxpayers, Bellamy recommended raising the local meals tax two percentage points from 4% to 6%. He said meals taxes are paid in part by visitors and commuters as well as residents, and the modest per‑purchase impact would, for example, add about $0.25 to a $12 meal and about $1.50 to a $75 bill. Bellamy framed the change as a step to fund future capital needs while preserving the county’s competitive real estate tax environment.

The presentation also touched on other budget components: enterprise funds (the wastewater, solid‑waste and waterfront operations), a six‑year capital improvements plan with $262 million in general‑fund projects, and increases to regional partner cost shares (Virginia Regional Jail, transit and regional library). Bellamy described other revenue drivers including an 11.4% overall assessed‑value increase in the 2026 reassessment and estimated $5.5 million in disabled‑veteran exemptions for calendar year 2026.

Board members asked clarifying questions during the meeting about the personal property tax rate (Bellamy said no increase is recommended), the local contribution to Head Start (Bellamy said federal revenue is flat while the local contribution rises because of compensation changes), where work sessions will be held and whether they will be televised, and the timing of additional budget hearings. Bellamy announced two town halls and six budget work sessions ahead of a planned budget adoption on May 5.

The board did not take final action on the budget during the meeting; supervisors were invited to examine details during the scheduled work sessions and public hearings before adoption.