Shenandoah County adopts 2026 tax rates in 4-2 vote

The Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution adopting the county's tax rates for calendar year 2026 on April 14, 2026. Vice Chairman Dennis Morris moved the resolution, which Supervisor David Ferguson seconded; the measure passed on a roll-call vote with four ayes and two no votes.

Chairman Tim Taylor, Vice Chairman Dennis Morris, Supervisor Kyle Gutshall and Supervisor David Ferguson voted in favor; Supervisor Mark Dotson and Supervisor Steve Baker voted no. Speaking after the vote, Supervisor Baker said he voted against the tax-rate resolution because he felt the increase imposed an undue strain on residents and small businesses. "I feel I am a voice for the people and small businesses and voted no because of the strain of the increase on everyone," Baker said.

The motion to adopt the tax rates was introduced as New Business item 1 and the Board completed the roll-call vote during the meeting's regular session. The decision follows the Board's budget deliberations for FY 2026-27; Board members described the budget process as rigorous and said choices reflected constraints including insurance and personnel costs. The resolution text and precise rate amounts were included in the meeting packet provided to supervisors for review (not specified in the minutes).