Emporia to lower real-estate tax rate after reassessment; council seeks clarity on school funding and courthouse estimates

City Manager William E. Johnson III told the Emporia City Council at the April 21, 2026 budget work session that the recent property reassessment allows staff to propose lowering the real-estate tax rate from $0.92 to $0.89 per $100 of assessed value and that staff will advertise the proposed rate and schedule the required public hearing.

Johnson said new General Fund revenue is limited, with modest expected gains from meals tax collections tied to a recent restaurant opening. He noted departments were directed to reduce expenditures and that most outside agency appropriations were held flat or reduced.

Councilman James C. Saunders questioned the city’s requested increase in local funding for Greensville County Public Schools, saying the city was being asked to contribute more than Greensville County even though the county has a larger student population and owns the school facilities. Johnson said staff would review the allocation methodology and consult legal counsel.

Saunders also raised concerns about varying courthouse renovation estimates, noting earlier estimates around $8.7 million to $10 million but saying he had heard figures as high as $30 million to $50 million; Johnson acknowledged updated information from Greensville County is necessary once the architectural study and RFP process conclude.

Johnson asked council members to submit additional questions to staff in advance of future budget sessions so responses can be prepared. No formal votes or appropriations were made at the work session.