Town Manager presents FY2026–27 draft budget showing 31% increase; council to review final draft in April meeting

Town Manager Laura Roberts presented the first draft of the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 proposed budget at the Wise Town Council continued meeting and budget workshop on April 2, 2026.

Roberts reported the draft budget totals an overall increase of 31% compared with the current fiscal year. Key components she identified include a 5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employees, a 3% step increase for eligible staff, and an expected 12.83% rise in health insurance premiums. Roberts said the draft reflects a reduction in the Real Estate tax rate in response to a Wise County reassessment that produced an average 34% increase in assessed real property values; the draft also proposes increases to the Personal Property tax rate, zoning fees, pool admission and picnic shelter rental fees, and water rates.

The Fire Department budget was restructured to replace line‑item expenditures with an annual lump‑sum donation; Council directed staff to request expenditure reports from the Fire Department during the upcoming fiscal year to ensure funds are spent as intended.

Council reviewed a list of capital outlay and project requests across departments. Highlights from departmental requests in the draft include:

- Police: new computers. - Fire & Rescue: pumper truck and cutting tools, computers, turnout gear, and a Fire Programs grant request. - Public Works/Street Maintenance: traffic control cones and barrels, shop improvements, pavement marking, sidewalk construction/reconstruction, traffic light and guardrail work, an F150 pickup, dump truck chassis, a Food Truck Incubator Project, ornamental street lamps, West Main pedestrian and crosswalk projects, East End pedestrian improvements and paving. - Storm Drainage: Phase 1 (design, permitting and construction of three culverts) and Phase 2 (drainage improvements including a box culvert and Hurricane Road work), with potential funding noted from the DCR Community Flood Preparedness Fund and a resiliency plan. - Buildings & Grounds / Parks: fire alarm system for Public Works and the Water Treatment Plant, HVAC replacement, wood chips for playgrounds and Reservoir Trail phases 3 and 4. - Sports Complex / Pool: Skagg mower and tee ball field work; pool pump and repairs, heater work, zero depth entry resurfacing, paving and a proposed pickleball court. - Planning & Community Development and Economic Development Authority: community revitalization planning grant, façade improvement program, programming expenses and housing initiatives. - Water Treatment / Distribution / Sewer: pumps/motors, wastewater basins, building maintenance, line and fire hydrant replacements, radio read meters, and sewer line replacement.

Council did not adopt the final budget at the workshop; Roberts was directed to present a final draft at the April regular council meeting for further consideration.

Mayor Caynor Smith, Jr. commended staff for managing town finances and noted appreciation for the ability to fully staff departments and provide employee salary increases, while cautioning that past constraints could limit similar measures in future years.

The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Vice‑Mayor Laura Taylor, seconded by Teresa Adkins; the minutes record the motion carried 5‑0.