The August County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2027 budget at their regular meeting on April 22, 2026. The total General Fund budget stands at $154 million, a 6% increase over last year’s budget. The Board also approved the advertised tax rates providing increases in personal property, business personal property, and the machinery and tools tax rates. The real estate tax rate remains unchanged at $.52 per $100 of assessed value.

Priorities - Investing in Education, Public Safety

The priorities identified in the FY27 budget seeks to maintain essential services while addressing long-term workforce needs and implementation of strategic plan objectives. 

• Education: $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. 
• The budget includes $481,000 to fund an additional 1% cost of living adjustment (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.
• Additional Fire-Rescue capital allocation will assist in implementing the strategic plan. 
• Workforce recruitment and retention: a 3% cost of living and merit increase for employees
• Community and regional support: Increased funding for agencies such as the Health Department, Office on Youth, Regional Landfill, and Valley Community Services Board.
• Strategic Plan Implementation: Planning for and forecasting future county growth, capital projects, and strategic development of resources balanced with projected revenues (as examples: Comprehensive Plan, Fire-Rescue Strategic Plan, Economic Development Strategic Plan, proposed Parks and Recreation Master Plan)

Tax Rates for 2026

Learn more and view budget materials on our website, www.AugustaCountyVA.gov/budget.