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Onancock budget preview: funding a fifth officer while avoiding a real-estate tax increase
Summary
Town staff presented a balanced 2026 budget that funds a 0.2 FTE police position (roughly $91,000 total cost) with no real-estate tax increase, small personal property changes and a meals tax rise from 5% to 5.5%; council will vote at a later meeting after more line-item review.
Town manager Matt told the council the primary objective of the proposed 2026 budget is to add one-fifth of a police officer position (0.2 FTE) and related training, a package Matt said costs roughly $91,000. He said the administration balanced that cost by reducing other expenditures and raising modest revenues — notably increasing the meals tax from 5% to 5.5% and modest increases to personal property tax categories — while avoiding a real-estate tax increase.
Residents used the budget hearing to raise line-item questions. Priscilla Hart asked about $23,000 in credit-card fees and whether citizens pay those charges; Matt answered, "When you use a credit card, we absorb the cost," and confirmed the town pays processing fees. Other budget questions included how capital items and contingency funds are shown (staff noted a $6,000 council contingency line) and whether a proposed $7,500 subscription for searchable meeting video transcripts was included (it was not yet itemized). The council did not vote on the budget at this meeting and scheduled a follow-up where staff will provide clarifications and potential reallocations before a final vote.
