WJCC Voice

• Budget Approval: James City County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $390.5 million budget for fiscal year 2026.
• Tax Changes: Real estate tax rate remains at 83 cents per $100 of assessed value, but a 5-cent tax credit from the previous year was not renewed, resulting in higher tax bills. Personal property tax rate stays at $4 per $100 valuation.
• School Funding: Budget includes an additional $1 million for the Williamsburg-James City County school division, sourced from the division’s end-of-year surplus, increasing the county’s school funding to approximately $100.3 million.
• School Budget Shortfall: The $1 million helps reduce the school division’s $2.7 million shortfall.
• Employee Raises: Includes a 3% pay raise for county employees effective July 1, with a potential additional 1% raise in January 2026, contingent on economic conditions.
• Capital Improvements: Allocates $125.3 million for capital projects, including $65.5 million for a new government center and $16.8 million for a library addition at 5231 Longhill Road.
• General Fund: The county’s primary operating fund is set at $263.7 million.
• Tax Credit Debate: A proposed 2-cent real estate tax credit by Chair Jim Icenhour was rejected by supervisors Michael Hipple, Ruth Larson, and John McGlennon.

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