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Blacksburg introduces $125 million recommended budget for FY2027; tax rate unchanged
Summary
Town staff introduced the recommended FY2027 operating budget totaling roughly $125 million (including capital); staff said the operating budget excluding one-time capital reflects an approximate 5.8% increase, the real estate tax rate would remain at $0.26 per $100 of assessed value, and proposed utility increases include about 6% for water and sewer and 7% for solid waste and recycling.
Town staff introduced the recommended FY2027 operating budget to the Blacksburg Town Council, describing a $125 million total budget figure that includes capital projects and debt. Staff asked council to schedule further review, public hearings and adoption under the town’s normal budget calendar.
Staff said that excluding one-time capital appropriations, the operating budget reflects roughly a 5.8% year-over-year increase and that the general fund (after removing capital items) is just under $58 million. The presenter said the town would not change the real estate tax rate, which would remain at $0.26 per $100 of assessed value.
On utilities, staff proposed a 6% increase for water and a 6% increase for sewer to cover higher treatment and maintenance costs and debt service; a 7% increase was proposed for the solid waste and recycling fee to meet contract and tipping-fee costs. Staff said the stormwater rate would remain unchanged. The presenter noted the town’s average customer profile in Blacksburg (heavily affected by student housing) uses about 6,000 gallons per month and that the combined utility-rate changes would amount to about a 6% increase in an average utility bill.
Staff highlighted capital and operating priorities that will be funded in the first year of the capital-improvement program, including bus replacements and electric charging infrastructure, water and sewer projects, new radios for police, fire and rescue to support a countywide digital radio system, sidewalk and pedestrian-safety projects, and a downtown retail incubator that the town will provide operating support to launch.
Personnel changes the presenter listed included several new positions in public safety and transit: one sworn police sergeant and three civilian police positions (communications/FOIA officer, public liaison supervisor and a civilian supervisor for fusion-center/purchasing/records functions), a parking-enforcement officer, eight full-time transit bus operators and two full-time transit dispatchers.
Staff said the budget document is available on the town website and at town hall and library, that council will hold a public hearing on April 14 and consider adoption on April 28, and that work sessions will provide additional detail prior to adoption.
Why it matters: The introduction outlines expected operating and capital spending priorities for the next fiscal year, rate proposals that affect utility customers, and personnel additions that will change staffing and service delivery. Council and the public will have multiple opportunities to review and comment before final adoption.
What’s next: Public hearing on April 14; work sessions and additional staff briefings between the meetings; council adoption expected April 28.
