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Smyth County presents $132.9 million FY2026–27 budget; residents ask about revenue sources and vehicle tracking
Summary
County staff presented the board's FY2026–27 budget for planning purposes — revenues and expenses totaling $132,895,637 — and outlined proposed tax levies and utility increases. Residents asked where new revenues (casino, lottery) appear and whether GPS tracking is used on county vehicles to prevent misuse.
A county staff reader presented the Smyth County Board of Supervisors’ FY2026–27 budget summary as an informational and planning document; the proposed revenue and expense totals were listed as $132,895,637. The notice included proposed tax levies (real estate, personal property, machinery and tools, prepared meals, cigarette tax) and reiterated that the budget would not be adopted at this hearing.
During public comment, Charles Wasson asked where projected new revenue streams such as casino proceeds and lottery money appear in the revenue lines, saying he expected such revenue to reduce tax pressure. David Fulton asked whether the county had considered installing GPS on county vehicles to detect improper personal use; staff and supervisors said GPS had been considered but cited costs and uncertain savings as obstacles to immediate implementation. The board closed the hearing with no votes taken.
