Appomattox council approves property, business and utility rate increases and adopts FY2027 budget

At a special meeting, the Appomattox Town Council unanimously approved a package of fiscal measures that raise the town's real property tax rate, increase business and professional occupational license taxes, change water and sewer rates and finalize the fiscal year 2027 budget.

The council's chair introduced the first item as the adoption of an increase to the town's real property rate and noted an affidavit with the advertised rate was attached to the meeting materials. A council member moved to adopt the increase; the motion was seconded and carried by roll call, 6 to nothing.

The body then considered and adopted an ordinance codifying increases to business and professional occupational license taxes. That motion was made and seconded and likewise passed by a 6-0 roll call vote.

Council also considered a resolution to change water and sewer rates. During discussion a member asked whether the new rates take effect July 1; the council was told they do. The water and sewer rate changes were approved by roll call, 6 to nothing.

Finally, the council moved to adopt the fiscal year 2027 budget for the town of Appomattox. After no recorded debate the budget resolution passed by a 6-0 roll call vote.

A council member later said they opposed the increases in principle but believed the measures were necessary for the town to remain financially solvent, citing additional pressures from state-level actions. Town Manager Campbell declined to present any items at the meeting and suggested details would be handled in a future work session. The council adjourned following the votes.

All votes in the transcript were recorded as unanimous (6-0). Several procedural items referenced in the meeting record'including an affidavit advertising the property tax rate and the ordinance and resolution texts'were noted as attached to meeting materials.