City of Staunton

April 25, 2025 – Staunton City Council adopted the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget during the regular meeting last night, with a total budget for the city and schools of $164,535,789 for all funds.

This budget sets the real estate tax rate at $.91 per $100 of assessed value, a two-cent increase from the previous year, which will generate $657,030 in additional revenue. This money is being earmarked for the critical infrastructure needs of the creek tunnels that run under downtown streets. The full scope and cost of these repairs remain unknown at the time of budget adoption. 

"This budget represents thoughtful planning and a commitment to addressing the priorities we hear from our community," said City of Staunton Mayor Michele Edwards. "A great deal of time, discussion, and reflection went into this decision. Raising taxes is never easy, and it's not something I take lightly—but we can't ignore the needs in front of us. Our responsibility is to care for our city and all its citizens. This budget allows us to invest in critical infrastructure and maintain the services our residents depend on, while ensuring we support those with the greatest needs and laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient Staunton."

Highlights of the adopted budget include a total of $18,904,462 in local funding for Staunton City Schools, which reflects an increase of $1.65 million over the FY 2025 adopted budget. This budget also includes the operating costs for an independent Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court and the city’s increased costs for regional services, including the Central Shenandoah Health Department and Valley Community Services Board.

The adopted budget reflects a balance of long-term vision and practical responsibility. Guided by City Council’s strategic priorities and the city’s financial policies, it supports key community goals while maintaining a stable, sustainable foundation. Just as importantly, it leaves room to adjust as conditions change, ensuring the city can remain responsive and resilient in meeting both current and future needs.

All budget materials can be found on the city’s website at www.staunton.va.us/budget. Questions about the budget can be directed to the City Manager’s Office at 540.332.3812.

You can watch the discussion from the City Council Meeting in this video. The budget item begins at 1:23:40