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Nelson County holds FY27 budget public hearing; presenters cite tax‑rate change, school funding and capital projects
Summary
At a public hearing the county presented a proposed FY27 budget balanced at $56,454,296, noted a board‑adopted 56¢ tax rate (effective Jan. 1, 2026), and detailed major allocations including school operating support, an estimated $8.9 million remaining for the high‑school renovation and proposed capital funding for a DSS building.
Nelson County officials presented the proposed FY2026–27 budget at a public hearing, outlining revenue assumptions, proposed spending and next procedural steps. The presenter noted the draft shown for public hearing had been prepared under prior assumptions and that state budget outcomes could still change final figures.
The presenter said the advertised FY27 draft had been prepared using a 57‑cent real‑property tax rate but that the board on April 27 adopted a 56‑cent rate effective Jan. 1, 2026, which reduces projected real‑property tax revenue and the year‑end balance. The presenter also noted a 2026 reassessment that increased overall assessed values by about 31.5%.
The proposed general fund was presented as balanced at $56,454,296. Local revenues were listed as about 80.5% of total general fund revenue, with general property taxes as the largest source. The presenter described anticipated increases and decreases across categories (sales/use, lodging, meals taxes; EMS recovery fees; decreases in fines and forfeitures) and emphasized that state revenue estimates remain subject to the General Assembly’s final actions.
On the expenditure side, the draft includes increased school funding, a transfer to school capital for bus purchases ($600,000), four school resource officers funded from the general fund (with partial state grant support pending), a 2% cost‑of‑living increase for employees, a one‑time $1,500 bonus for full‑time staff and other personnel cost adjustments. The presenter also listed capital projects in the FY27 capital fund, including funding for remaining construction costs for a Department of Social Services building and the Nelson County High School renovation (presented as an estimated $8.9 million remaining).
During the meeting a board member moved that the school division administrative offices be designated to relocate from the courthouse complex and that the board study using the high‑school alpha wing as the preferred long‑term relocation option, with estimates of costs, timelines and financing. Members debated whether to table the decision pending closed‑session information; a roll‑call vote recorded at least one 'no' (Mr. Reed) and multiple 'yes' votes (Mr. Park, Mr. L.). The board also agreed to continue the meeting to May 26 at 5 p.m. for additional work.
What happens next: state budget outcomes will be monitored and staff will present revised budget figures and additional work sessions ahead of final adoption. Under state code the board must wait at least seven days after the public hearing before adopting the budget.
