Accomack Board receives FY25/26 budget proposal

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors received the FY 25/26 budget proposal from County Administrator Mike Mason at a special meeting Monday night.

The County’s proposed FY2026 budget includes moderate tax increases and key investments in infrastructure, public services including EMS, and economic development. The real estate tax rate is set to increase from $0.484 to $0.534 per $100 of assessed value, while the cigarette tax will rise from $0.20 to $0.30 per pack. Personal property tax remains unchanged at $3.72 per $100, though potential state legislation could impose future caps.

Supervisor Robert Crockett asked if there would have to be layoffs if the proposed tax increase was not adopted. Mason said that much of the budget goes to employee compensation but the County is currently understaffed and in reality needs more employees to do the work that needs to be done so layoffs are really not an option. Crockett added that he was in no way advocating for employee layoffs but wanted to point out the need for the tax increase.

Mason said that the increase in overall costs including health insurance have risen quite a bit  resulting in the need for more revenue to cover those increases.  He also said that overall county contributions to employee health insurance have risen over the years in order for the County to be competitive in attracting good people.

Investments include additional funding for wastewater infrastructure, housing initiatives, and a state-mandated comprehensive plan update. Workforce support measures feature a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment for County employees, a 9.3% salary increase for dispatchers, and coverage of rising health insurance costs. Parks and recreation improvements include new senior-focused programs and an amphitheater at Sawmill Park, while economic development efforts will construct an access road to Wallops Research Park.

Education funding will rise by $314,042, bringing the local share to $23.4 million. The budget allocates $9.5 million for capital projects such as facility maintenance, sheriff’s vehicles, IT infrastructure, and public safety equipment. No new debt will be issued, and the County will contribute $972,774 to its Rainy Day Fund. Staffing changes are minimal, adding only an Animal Control Officer and an EMS Drug Box Program Manager. The budget emphasizes fiscal responsibility while addressing key community needs.

The budget process will take approximately 60 days and the Board will meet again Wednesday at 5 pm to hear requests from the department heads.