City of Staunton

April 24, 2026 – Staunton City Council adopted the city’s fiscal year 2027 budget during the regular meeting last night, with a total budget for the city and schools of $168,670,911 for all funds. This reflects a $4.14 million (2.51%) increase over the adopted FY 2026 budget.

The General Fund is adopted at $83,470,150, representing a $3.7 million (4.59%) increase over the previous year. The adopted budget holds the real estate tax rate at $0.91 per $100 of assessed value.

A key priority for City Council during the budget finalization was the implementation of the 1.85% hazardous duty multiplier for eligible Virginia Retirement System (VRS) employees. To fund this enhancement for public safety personnel, the city identified $150,000 in the General Fund through a combination of increased interest income ($100,000) and a strategic use of fund balance ($50,000). The transition also includes targeted decreases in various operating expenditure lines totaling $66,270.

"The FY 2027 budget is a commitment to the core services and infrastructure that define our community’s quality of life," said Mayor Michele Edwards. "I am particularly proud of the work done to implement the hazardous duty multiplier, ensuring we provide competitive and deserved benefits to those who protect our city. These investments secure the essential services residents expect while making the critical improvements necessary for the city’s long-term health."

The adopted budget includes a total of $20.4 million in local funding for Staunton City Schools, which reflects an increase of $1.46 million over the FY 2026 adopted budget.

To address aging infrastructure and ensure the long-term reliability of city services, the budget includes scheduled fee increases for the city's enterprise funds. These adjustments align with the 2026-2028 Staunton Plan and resident feedback from the recent Community Survey.

• Water User Fee (5.42% increase): The fee will change from $4.06 to $4.28 per hundred cubic feet (HCF). For an average household of four, this represents an increase of approximately $2.64 per bi-monthly billing cycle.
• Sewer User Fee (7.14% increase): The fee will increase from $5.60 to $6.00 per HCF. This adjustment helps cover rising costs at the Middle River Wastewater Treatment Plant and supports over $13.5 million in capital needs over the next five years.
• Environmental User Fee (14.54% increase): The monthly refuse fee will change from $24.01 to $27.50. This increase supports critical equipment replacements and Staunton’s share of mandated capital improvements at the Augusta Regional Landfill.

The new rates will first appear on utility bills issued on Sept. 10, 2026.

The adopted budget serves as a strategic roadmap for the city, balancing fiscal responsibility with the long-term goals of the Staunton Plan. By focusing on employee retention and critical infrastructure, the city remains positioned to meet both current needs and future challenges.

All budget materials, including the City Manager’s full budget message and presentation slides 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.