The Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings for the fiscal year 2026-2027 (FY27) advertised budget and proposed tax rates during a special meeting:
Budget Public Hearing: April 15, 2026 | 7 p.m. | Boardroom, Government Center
For FY27 budget information, please visit www.augustacountyva.gov/budget.
A FY27 Budget Handout for the Public Hearing, including revisions from the Board of Supervisors from their March 30 budget work session, will be linked on the budget webpage when available.
After the public hearing on April 15, the Board will make final revisions to the advertised budget. Approval of the FY27 budget is anticipated for the Board’s regular meeting on April 22.
Revisions to the Recommended Budget
At the budget work session on March 30, the Board amended the staff-recommended budget to include the following revisions:
Budget Work Session (March 30, 2026) – Revisions
Total Recommended Budget - General Fund: $152,706,699
Expenditures
Schools-increase 2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to 3% COLA (if the state matches 3%)
$480,846*
Fire-Rescue Capital allocation
$764,154
Total
$1,245,000
*If State funding is not available for the state share of the 3% COLA, this figure will increase to $1,008,640 and the Fire-Rescue capital allocation will be reduced accordingly.
Revenues
$0.15 increase Machinery & Tools Tax
$465,000
$0.05 increase Personal Property Taxes
$480,000
$0.15 increase on Business Personal Property
$300,000
Total
$1,245,000
Total Advertised Budget - General Fund: $153,951,699
Proposed Tax Rates
The tax rates proposed for 2026 include the following:
| Tax |
Current |
Proposed |
| Real Estate |
$0.52 |
$0.52 |
| Personal Property |
|
|
|
Vehicles - auto and motorcycle
|
$2.60 |
$2.65 |
|
Business, large trucks, machinery and tools
|
$2.00 |
$2.15 |
|
Campers, boats, boat trailers, horse trailers, airplanes, trailers
|
$2.60 |
$2.65 |
Budget Highlights
The advertised FY27 budget outlines the County's spending plan for the upcoming year.
The General Fund, which covers most day-to-day government services, is approximately $154 million, a 6% increase over the previous year.
The advertised budget includes additional revenue totaling $1.245 million with an increase in machinery and tools tax and personal property tax rates to maintain core services.
Key highlights include:
- Workforce investments: A 3% cost-of-living and merit increase for employees, to help support recruitment and retention.
- Education funding: $57.3 million in operating transfers to schools, $1.7 million for school buses, and $9.3 million for education-related debt for facility-related improvement. Advertised budget includes $481,000 to fund an additional 1% COLA increase for school staff.
- Public safety and new infrastructure: Budget covers personnel and operating costs for the new Courthouse, including 6 bailiffs, 1 IT position and 5 maintenance staff.
- Revenue growth: Property tax revenue is projected to grow 6%, alongside a 5% increase in other local taxes.
- Community and regional support: Increased funding for agencies such as the Health Department, Office on Youth, Regional Landfill, and Valley Community Services Board.
- Five-Year Financial Plan: Forecasts future revenue and expenditure growth, including capital projects and strategic objectives. The additional F&R Capital allocation will assist in implementing the F&R Strategic Plan objectives.
The budget looks to maintain essential services while addressing long-term workforce needs and strategic priorities.
Participate in the Process
The public is encouraged to learn more, ask questions, and give feedback. Participate in the budget process:
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged throughout the budget approval process. Sign up for County news and announcements delivered via email or text, www.AugustaCountyVA.gov/e-notices.
