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Stephens City treasurer reports highest sales-tax intake as council previews budget with proposed pay raises
Summary
Town Treasurer Steve Rickards told council March 4 that Stephens City posted its highest sales‑tax revenue to date. The Finance Committee’s draft FY2026 budget proposes staff pay raises and added fire department funding but does not include a tax increase.
Town Treasurer Steve Rickards told Stephens City Town Council on March 4 that the town closed a "resoundingly strong, robust" month and saw the highest sales tax revenue to date.
Rickards said the figures indicate a strong local economy. Town Clerk Cailee Anderson explained an apparent lodging tax spike was caused by a payment from Redwood Motel being mistakenly posted to a utility account; that error has been corrected.
Councilman P. Fravel, reporting for the Finance Committee, said the committee reviewed the proposed FY2026 budget and recommended staff pay raises to remain competitive with neighboring localities. He said the draft budget also proposes an increase in funds for the fire department. Council members asked staff to gather pay data from other jurisdictions to inform decisions.
Council members noted concern about retention, particularly among police officers, as a rationale for pay adjustments. Town Manager Mike Majher said staff will return with comparative pay data for further council consideration. The draft budget currently does not include any proposed tax increase.
