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Smyth County schedules May 21 hearings after officials warn of $2.5 million FY27 shortfall
Summary
County Administrator Shawn Utt reported a roughly $2.5 million gap in the FY27 budget and recommended several revenue options; after discussion the Board scheduled public hearings on proposed real‑estate tax and utility rate increases for May 21, 2026.
County Administrator Shawn Utt told the Smyth County Board of Supervisors on April 9 that projected changes — including a potential real‑estate tax increase, a recommended 5% increase to water fees, a 10% increase to sewer fees and a 5% increase in solid‑waste tipping fees — still left an estimated $2.5 million deficit in the proposed FY27 budget.
"An increase to real estate taxes, 5% increase to water fees, 10% increase on sewer fees, and a 5% increase on solid waste tipping fees leaves a $2.5 million deficit in the FY27 budget," Utt said during the Budget committee report. Utt also warned that if HB 1263 and SB 378 become law the county could face substantial increases to real estate taxes and that a reassessment process will likely be required.
Following discussion about timing and the state budget unknowns, the Board voted to schedule public hearings on the proposed real‑estate and utility rate increases for May 21, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. A prior attempt to set hearings for April 30 failed, and the Board ultimately adopted May 21 as the hearing date.
