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Wythe County board sets May 26 public hearings after staff details $3.8 million FY27 shortfall
Summary
County staff told supervisors the draft FY2027 budget faces a roughly $3.8 million shortfall—largely from school funding—and the Board authorized May 26 public hearings on the county and school budgets and on tax rates; staff proposed using reserves and trimming capital and personnel requests.
County Administrator Stephen D. Bear told the Wythe County Board on May 12 that the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget shows a revenue-to-expenditure gap of about $3.8 million, primarily because the School Board requires an estimated $2.5 million more to maintain basic operations.
To balance the draft without increasing local tax rates, Mr. Bear said the proposal relies on $3.8 million from the county’s unassigned reserves and reduces or eliminates several requested capital items and new personnel positions. Major retained capital items in the draft include $343,000 for emergency services equipment and $250,000 for the scheduled property reassessment.
Mr. Bear asked the Board to authorize public hearings for May 26, 2026, on the FY2027 expenditure and revenue budgets and to set a public hearing on calendar year 2026 tax rates. Supervisor Bradley D. Martin moved to authorize the hearings; the motion passed unanimously on roll call. Board members were reminded the Board retains authority to adjust appropriations after public hearings and may withhold or restrict quarterly appropriations if needed.
Supervisors also discussed reductions to the JIDA (Joint Industrial Development Authority) allocation and transparency concerns. Supervisor Rolland R. Cook pressed for returning the JIDA’s Special Project Fund to the county general fund; staff said the JIDA allocation was reduced to earlier levels and county staff met with town representatives and counsel to discuss concerns.
Staff confirmed the Sheriff had been notified that his requested full‑time positions were not included in the draft and that the Sheriff may address the Board at the May 26 public hearing. The Board set the hearings to gather public input before finalizing FY27 appropriations.
Votes at a glance: • Authorized May 26 public hearings on FY27 county and school budgets — motion: Supervisor Bradley D. Martin; second: Supervisor Rolland R. Cook; outcome: unanimous approval. • Authorized May 26 public hearing on Calendar Year 2026 tax rates (no proposed change) — motion: Supervisor Rolland R. Cook; second: Supervisor Stacy A. Terry; outcome: unanimous approval.
The Board will consider public comment at the May 26 hearings before adopting final FY27 budget and tax rate decisions.
