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Wythe County proposes $118 million FY2026-27 budget, plans $3.8M draw from reserves; Board approves multiple budget and administrative actions
Summary
The Board reviewed a proposed $118 million budget that would use about $3.8 million in reserves (≈14 cents on the real estate tax rate) to balance the plan, and unanimously approved a slate of Budget Committee recommendations including supplemental CSA funding, election-system upgrades, and transfers of forfeiture funds.
Wythe County supervisors reviewed a proposed Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget of $118 million at their May 26 meeting and approved a package of budget committee recommendations, transfers and administrative motions.
County Administrator Stephen D. Bear outlined the budget picture: the proposed $118 million spending plan represents an increase of about $550,000 from the prior year after roughly $5.8 million in requested items were cut. Balancing the budget would require $3.8 million in reserves, which Bear said equates to "approximately 14 cents of real estate tax." The school system requested an additional $2.5 million, a change Bear attributed to shifts in the composite index and reduced state funding.
Treasurer Guynn reported a consolidated account balance of $91,164,126 (general fund $63,193,487) and said intensified collection efforts have generated more than $1 million in personal property tax collections through DMV registration holds.
On motions brought from the Budget Committee, the Board unanimously approved several measures recommended by Supervisor Stacy A. Terry, including: extending a local government bonus to full-time Constitutional Officers and specified staff; a CSA supplemental allocation of $199,360; a $100,000 appropriation for an Election Systems & Software upgrade; transferring $126,003.34 from Sheriff’s federal asset forfeitures to the Police Activity Fund; and authorizing purchases and transfers for 911 equipment and emergency response capital (several transfers totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars). The Board also approved an offer to sell surplus radio equipment to Bland County and a $200,000 allocation for the Joint Industrial Development Authority approved at a May 27 budget work session.
The Board approved payment of invoices totaling $699,316.01 (detailed vendor list on the meeting agenda) and accepted the Consent Calendar, which included payroll and personnel actions.
On smaller operational items, the Board voted to rescind a burn ban after recent precipitation and ratified contract and grant updates: receipt of ARPA funding to fully grant-fund the Fort Chiswell Route 52 sewer extension (approximately $1.9 million) and a grant for the Jackson Elementary pump station (approximately $1.2 million). Chair Smith also scheduled a budget work session (held May 27) and said staff expects state budget guidance in mid to late June, which could affect final appropriations.
Votes at a glance: payments and budget committee recommendations passed on recorded roll calls (most unanimous); appointment of Marcie Zon to the Wythe-Grayson Regional Library Board passed 6–1 (Supervisor Sarah P. Crockett voted no).
What happens next: County staff will continue budget work with an expectation of state budget clarity in June and will return to the Board with final numbers and any needed amendments.
