Smyth County schedules May 21 public hearings as officials outline $2.5M FY27 shortfall

Smyth County Administrator Shawn Utt told the Board on April 9 that the county faces significant FY27 budget pressures and a projected shortfall of about $2.5 million after proposed revenue changes including a possible real‑estate tax increase, a 5% water fee increase, a 10% sewer fee increase and a 5% rise in solid‑waste tipping fees.

Utt said state actions and pending legislation could further affect local revenue and assessment work: he referenced HB 1263 and SB 378, and said the county will likely need to begin a reassessment process using a different assessor. Utt recommended switching to semiannual real‑estate tax billing to help cash flow for both residents and the county.

Why it matters: the Board’s decisions will affect household tax bills and utility rates and could reshape county budgeting for services including schools and social services. Utt highlighted continuing uncertainty in school funding because the General Assembly had not finalized a state budget.

Board action and next steps: after discussion, the Board voted to schedule public hearings on the proposed real‑estate and utility rate increases at 5:00 p.m. on May 21, 2026. The hearings were proposed by Chilhowie District Supervisor Mike Sturgill and seconded by North Fork District Supervisor Rick Billings; the motion passed unanimously.

Budget details discussed at the meeting included the county’s reported current fund balance of $21,269,681.54 and local uncollected tax revenue of $4,986,499.51. County staff also reported further internal reductions being considered and a plan to revisit the budget with the Budget committee on April 16, 2026.

Other fiscal actions: the Board approved several committee-recommended appropriations earlier in the meeting, including a County Administration 4th Quarter appropriation package totaling $13,071,000, School Board 4th Quarter appropriations of $17,232,463, and a Department of Social Services 4th Quarter request of $1,773,636. The Board also approved paying a $16,929.51 invoice for building door replacements at the Adwolfe Fire Department.

Process and community outreach: supervisors discussed tax‑collection options intended to reduce costs, including an agreement to partner with Treasurer Tom Burkett to publicize delinquent real‑estate accounts in the Smyth County News & Messenger as a debt-collection step.

What’s next: the Board will hold public hearings on May 21, 2026. If adopted, revenue changes will be included in the FY27 budget process; the county may proceed with a reassessment depending on statewide developments and legislative outcomes.