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Henry County holds public hearing on proposed FY2026–27 tax rates; residents voice concerns
Summary
County Administrator Dale Wagoner presented a proposed real-estate tax rate of $0.50 per $100; residents voiced concerns about rising assessments and some urged adopting a lower $0.48 rate. The Board will consider final adoption at the May 5 budget meeting.
Henry County held a public hearing April 28 on proposed FY2026–27 tax rates, with County Administrator Dale Wagoner presenting a proposed real-estate tax rate of $0.50 per $100 of assessed value and proposed personal-property and machinery-and-tools rates not to exceed $1.64 per $100.
Wagoner told the Board the public hearing was held pursuant to §58.1-3321 of the Code of Virginia and noted the proposed real-estate rate represents an increase compared with a lowered benchmark described at the hearing. The transcript records that the difference between the lowered tax-rate benchmark and the proposed rate would be $0.13 per $100 (35.14%).
During the hearing, Jon Lexa (Ridgeway District) expressed concern about sharply rising property assessments. Andrew Palmer (Collinsville District) said he supported County Administrator Wagoner's originally proposed rate of $0.48 per $100 assessed valuation. Joey Duncan (Ridgeway District) addressed the Board in opposition to any rate increase. David Craig raised concerns about trash in the county. Chairman Jim Adams closed the public hearing at 6:36 p.m.
Board discussion after the hearing included Supervisor Chris Lawless saying the increase is needed to maintain services such as the Sheriff's Office and public education. County Administrator Wagoner said final state budget actions are likely in June; the Board's formal adoption of the total county and school budgets is scheduled for May 5, 2026.
What's next: The Board will consider and adopt the total county budget and the School Board budget at its May 5 meeting; any final tax-rate adoption will follow the budget process.
