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Smyth County proposes $144.37 million FY27 budget; residents press for debt reduction and answers on fuel and vehicle use
Summary
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors presented a proposed FY2026–27 county budget showing total county revenues/expenditures around $144.37 million and capital projects including a public safety radio system and a building-study bond; residents urged debt reduction and questioned growing fuel costs and county vehicle use.
County Administrator Shawn Utt read the advertised FY2026–27 Smyth County budget May 21, detailing revenue and expenditure tables and proposed capital items.
The advertisement listed total county budget revenues and expenditures of $144,371,102, identified major lines including school operations and capital debt for a public safety communications project ($3.5 million) and a building-study construction bond ($6.725 million), and itemized revenues and transfers.
At the public hearing, Dr. Charles Wassum urged debt reduction and asked for clearer labeling of mental‑health line items; he also said he did not see revenue lines for Tobacco Commission funds, a potential Bristol casino allocation, or lottery revenue. David Fulton asked whether fuel was the budget’s highest growing expense and raised concerns about county vehicles being used for personal travel. County Administrator Shawn Utt said fuel was among the highest‑growing expenses and that he would investigate vehicle‑use concerns. Chair Charlie Atkins closed the hearing and adjourned the special called hearings.
Why it matters: The proposed budget sets county priorities and funds key services and capital projects. Public record of comments on debt, revenue sources and internal controls (vehicle use) may shape board deliberations before appropriation.
