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Alexandria approves first reading of 2026–27 budget; property tax rate discussion underway
Summary
The board approved the budget's first reading and discussed adjusting the property tax rate; staff said the proposed tax rate reduction was intended to reflect higher property valuations after reappraisal but final readings and comptroller submission remain required.
During the June 16 meeting the Alexandria Board of Mayor and Aldermen reviewed the proposed 2026–27 municipal budget, discussed department overages (notably the streets and road department), and approved the budget on first reading to meet comptroller submission timelines.
Staff described adjustments to wages and staffing that increased the budget roughly $150,000 over the previous year, explained that only streets/roads exceeded departmental allotments (largely for cold patch and repairs), and said the package had been adjusted to reflect staffing levels and approved wage changes. The board discussed property tax rate figures cited in the packet: a current figure of .623 was mentioned in discussion and the presenter recommended a proposed rate of 0.43 (with an intermediate figure 0.465 also discussed). Members noted that certified values from the reappraisal had increased assessments and allowed a lower rate to generate required revenue.
A member moved to accept the budget for first reading with the option to revisit and refine before final adoption; the motion was seconded and passed. Staff said the comptroller has requested submission by the end of March in prior cycles, so the board planned follow-up readings/workshops to finalize rates and adjustments as necessary.
The board asked staff to attempt to finance some purchases from the current year's budget where possible so capital/one-time items would not carry into next year.
