What to know about James City County’s proposed budget for 2026

JAMES CITY COUNTY – James City County’s supervisors are reviewing a proposed $389.5 million budget for fiscal year 2026 that includes some increases in costs for residents. 

Here are 5 things to know about the proposed budget.

Last year’s real estate tax credit will not continue

For starters, the budget, submitted by County Administrator Scott Stevens, does not recommend the continuation of the property tax credit residents received last year, which reduced the amount they owed by 5 cents per $100 of assessed value.

The county included the credit in a revised budget for fiscal year 2025 after residents complained about a dramatic increase in property assessments. 

Many citizens said it would be difficult for them to pay the proposed rate of 83 cents per $100 valuation, arguing that people with fixed incomes would be particularly hard hit by the sudden spike in property values.

Real estate assessments in the county jumped by an average of 21% last year amid the most recent reassessments, with some residents facing increases of well over 30%.

Sharon McCarthy, the county’s director of financial and management services, said at the time that the values were the result of major economic shifts, including inflation.

“We’re in a very different market now than we used to be,” she said.

According to Stevens, last year’s tax credit was intended only to be applied one time, and residents must now adjust to paying the original proposed rate of 83 cents.

The personal property tax rate will stay the same

The personal property tax would remain at $4 per $100 of assessed value, the same as last year. Personal property taxes in Virginia are administered at the local level and apply to motor vehicles. 

The county expects to accrue higher revenue from personal property taxes in FY2026 because of new vehicle purchases as well as older vehicles retaining their value, according to Stevens.

Ambulance transport fees and some Park & Recreation costs are going up

Some park and recreation fees will also increase in the coming fiscal year if the proposed budget is approved. The fees are said to be a result of increased equipment costs and instructor rates for fine arts classes.

Ambulance transport services will also become more expensive. The cost increase “aligns the County’s rates with Medicare reimbursement rates,” according to Stevens.

The proposed increases will be effective as of July 1.

The budget includes pay raises for county staff and increased funding for WJCC Schools

Another key feature of the proposed budget is a 3% pay raise for county employees to take effect on July 1, as well as the potential for an additional 1% raise to be implemented on Jan. 1, 2026, depending on economic conditions.

The county will also kick in an additional $2.8 million for Williamsburg-James City County Schools to support the division’s request to provide pay raises for teachers and staff. 

Capital spending includes the construction of new county buildings and another library

Proposed capital spending includes funding for the continued construction of a new General Services Administration Building. Construction is expected to start in FY2026 with an expected completion timeframe of FY2029.

Additionally, the plan features funding for the construction of a new Government Center as well as funding for another library, which would be “constructed alongside the Government Center to streamline efficiencies and reduce costs.” 

The library facility would serve as a third location for the Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) system and would, according to the county, help “work toward state and national standards for recommended library square footage” per citizen.

The Government Center and library are both expected to be completed in FY2029.

Want to weigh in?

According to Stevens, the budget proposal is reflective of the county’s current priorities, which include providing “exceptional services to the community,” retaining and recruiting employees, maintaining the county’s appearance and investing in new capital improvement projects. 

“This Proposed Budget reflects efforts to achieve the existing goals and takes steps to implement the upcoming update to the Strategic Plan,” Stevens wrote in the proposal.

The county will hold a public meeting at 6 p.m. on April 1 at the James City County Government Center. An additional public hearing will take place during the Board of Supervisors regular meeting at 5 p.m. on April 8.

Residents can also submit their feedback to the board by emailing board@jamescitycountyva.gov or calling (757) 253-6609 and leaving a message.

A business meeting to discuss the proposed budget will be held on April 22, and the finalized budget is expected to be adopted on May 13.

For more information or to review the full FY2026 budget proposal, visit jamescitycountyva.gov/budget.