Residents press Louisa County supervisors at FY27 property tax levy hearing

The Louisa County Board of Supervisors met in special session March 23, 2026, and opened a public hearing on the FY27 proposed property tax levy at the Supervisor’s office. Dennis Teel, a resident in attendance, told the board his property’s assessed value has risen well beyond market levels after he bought it for $30,000 and invested about $130,000 rebuilding after a fire; Teel said the county should avoid additional burdens on residents and urged fiscal restraint. He told the board, "we need to be watchful of all our money."

Supervisor Shawn Maine explained the county budget process and said that many reductions already have been made, warning that further cuts would likely affect county services. Tom Sands, who addressed the board during public input, provided numerical context: "the countywide budget request of $5.9 million represents a 0.65% increase, with rural services increasing 7.6% for non-incorporated areas," and he said the total overall increase is just over 2.16%; Sands also clarified that taxable value rose less than assessed values for some rural properties.

The board handled three procedural motions during the session: Supervisors Maine and Hunt moved to approve the agenda and to open the FY27 Proposed Tax Levy public hearing; Chair Kevin Hardin later moved to close the hearing, seconded by Supervisor Hunt. Per the meeting record, board members were recorded as voting "AYE" unless otherwise noted; the hearing was closed at 6:49 p.m., and the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. No final levy decision was recorded at the session.

The hearing drew a small public attendance list that also included Jim Keldgord, Alta Cook, Brooke Cook and Jim Rudisill. The board did not adopt a levy or take further budget action during the special session; any next steps were not specified in the meeting record.