Smyth County adopts $133.18 million FY2027 budget and sets property tax rates

The Smyth County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the county’s FY2027 budget on June 18, adopting total revenues and expenditures of $133,182,203 and setting the property tax rates that will fund the budget.

The board fixed the real‑estate tax rate at $0.69 per $100 of assessed valuation. Other adopted rates include tangible personal property at $2.30 per $100, machinery and tools at $1.55 per $100, and merchants’ capital at $0.40 per $100.

County Administrator Shawn Utt presented the budget and noted the county anticipates possible changes once the Commonwealth’s budget is finalized; he said the county expects any necessary amendments to be ready for review in late July. Saltville District Supervisor Roscoe Call said the board must ensure adequate revenue to sustain services, arguing that cuts now could create long‑term funding challenges.

Earlier in the meeting, the board approved Budget Amendment #7, a $5,002,000 package that included $2,000 for the Commonwealth Attorney’s junior attorney program and the balance for several School Board items (state‑funded support for virtual students, reduced dual‑enrollment costs and additional ESSER reimbursement resources). Rye Valley District Supervisor Jason Parris moved to waive the rules for public hearing and to adopt the amendment that evening; the motion passed.

The board also approved interim FY27 appropriations totaling $13,435,543 to carry county operations through the end of July across multiple funds, including General Fund, School Operating & Debt Service, Social Services, and recovery court funds.

The FY27 budget was adopted by roll call vote with all supervisors voting yes. County staff indicated the budget may be amended in late July to reflect any changes from the state budget.