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Smyth County budget proposed at $132.9 million; public questions on revenues and fleet tracking
Summary
County staff presented a proposed FY2026–27 budget totaling $132,895,637 and listed proposed tax levies; public commenters questioned whether expected new revenues are included and asked about GPS tracking on county vehicles.
Smyth County staff read the county's proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget into the record at a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors, with the summary showing total revenues and expenditures of $132,895,637.
The notice outlined proposed tax levies (including a real-estate rate proposed at $0.69 per $100 of assessed value) and noted several utility and fee increases that form part of the budget summary, including 5% water-rate increases, 10% sewer-rate increases and a 5% increase in solid-waste tipping fees. The clerk emphasized the budget reading was informational and said the board will not approve or adopt the budget at the May hearing.
During public comment Charles Wasson asked where anticipated new revenues—such as casino or lottery proceeds—are reflected in the revenue schedule. Later, David Fulton asked whether county vehicles are fitted with GPS, noting he had seen county vehicles out of area; staff said GPS had been considered but cited implementation cost and lack of clear offsetting savings and offered to investigate fuel-card or tank-number records for possible improper use.
The board closed the public hearing with no action taken; adoption and any related votes are expected during upcoming regular meetings in June once revenue figures are settled.
