YORK — York County’s Board of Supervisors passed its first real estate tax increase in nine years in a budget that reflects inflation pressures.
The board approved the fiscal year 2026 budget by a vote of 4-1 at its meeting on Wednesday. While some members expressed disappointment at the tax hike, the board avoided the division seen over the budget process in the previous year.
The $291.6 million budget entails a 4-cent increase in the real estate tax rate from 74 cents per $100 in assessed value to 78 cents. The personal property tax rate will increase by 20 cents to $4 per $100 in value. Officials said the increases were necessary “to support essential services amid rising costs and continued economic uncertainty.”
District 3 Supervisor Wayne Drewery was the sole dissenting vote.
“I want to thank the many residents who engaged with us during this year’s budget process. Your input and participation were invaluable,” County Administrator Mark Bellamy said in a statement. “I also extend my sincere appreciation to the Board of Supervisors for their thorough review and commitment to responsible financial stewardship. Together, we have crafted a budget that addresses our community’s needs while maintaining the County’s long-term fiscal health.”
The budget includes an increase in solid waste fees and fees are being added to planning and development services. Social services funding saw a decrease due to a transfer from a reserve account.
The budget adds five deputy positions, and increases local operating support for York County Public Schools, committing funds to the Tabb High School capital improvement project. It decreases the amount allotted for overtime for the sheriff’s office.
Bellamy outlined compensation raises to county employees costing $2.5 million. He described the pay increases as “necessary to keep up with our neighbors.”
“Additional resources will support infrastructure upgrades, regional partnerships and essential services that contribute to the quality of life for all York County residents,” the county said in a news release.
Bellamy blamed inflation and external pressures such as looming federal tariffs on the tax increases in his budget report.
“Developing this budget has been particularly challenging due to minimal revenue growth, sustained cost increases driven by inflation, and ongoing uncertainty at the federal level,” he wrote. “Virginia is particularly vulnerable to significant changes in tariffs, federal spending, and employment policies. Given our region’s high concentration of federal employees, potential economic impacts are a significant concern.”
Vice Chair Doug Holroyd praised the staff for putting the budget together, pointing out the 8% rise in costs over eight years after inflation.
District 4 Supervisor Stephen Roane said that after three years of keeping the tax rate down, it was disappointing “that we’re at a crossroads here.” He said many forecasts made over the last few years failed to materialize.
“Staff have really towed the mark and some,” Board Chair Sheila Noll said. “You have really bent over backwards.” She said the Board of Supervisors also worked hard on the budget.
Drewery did not comment before voting no on the budget and the tax resolution.
Last year, the board passed a budget with a 3-cent reduction in the real estate rate, but some supervisors quibbled over the amount of transparency in the process.
For more on the budget, visit yorkcounty.gov/budget.
David Macaulay, Davidmacaulayva@gmail.com
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