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Williamsburg Revises Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

City Council members in Williamsburg discussing the financial planning for 2026.

News Summary

Williamsburg’s City Council has reduced the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 from $112.3 million to $103.3 million, following significant budget cuts. Key areas affected include police vehicle purchases and park restoration plans. Local taxes will see an increase, while efforts to support businesses with a dealer discount for meals and lodging taxes are being introduced. The council invites resident comments at a meeting set for May 8, where a vote on the revised budget is expected.

Williamsburg is set to adopt a significantly revised budget for fiscal year 2026, following a series of expenditure reductions. The proposed budget has been cut from an initial $112.3 million to $103.3 million after the City Council’s meetings on April 7 and April 10 resulted in a total of $3.3 million in budget cuts.

The latest adjustments to the budget included a reduction of $1.9 million made between the initial council meeting and the subsequent follow-up on April 10. In the latter meeting, an additional cut of $1.4 million was introduced. Key areas affected by these reductions include police vehicle purchases and changes related to the demolition of the police station. Additionally, the restoration plans for the Kiwanis Park tennis courts have been postponed as a result of the budget constraints. Alongside these specific cuts, contributions to the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) were also decreased, and miscellaneous adjustments were made to the general fund expenditures.

Significantly, a drop in admissions tax exemptions totaling $257,000 was included as part of the latest budget cuts, impacting various organizations and events. Discussions regarding the need for a new library in the city have indicated that while there is an interim agreement in place, no firm commitment has been made towards its construction. This consideration is further complicated by the planning of a new library by nearby James City County, which affects Williamsburg’s library decisions.

The proposed budget maintains the existing water rate adjusted to $1.56 per 1,000 gallons. Furthermore, it proposes increases in local taxes, specifically a 1.5% rise in the meals tax and a 2% increase in the lodging tax. Despite the rising property values within the city, property taxes are not expected to increase in the upcoming budget period. However, exceptions to the admissions tax will be made for specific events held at the College of William & Mary and for charitable organizations with fewer than 2,000 admissions per year.

To lighten the financial burden on local businesses, the budget introduces a 2% dealer discount for meals, lodging, and admissions tax payments. This measure aims to help offset credit card fees that businesses often incur.

Residents of Williamsburg will have their final opportunity to comment on the proposed budget during a City Council meeting scheduled for May 8 at 2 p.m. This meeting will be held at the Stryker Center. A vote on the new budget is anticipated to occur during this session, providing residents with a chance to voice their opinions on the financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year.

For further information regarding the budget proposal and other related inquiries, residents are encouraged to visit the official Williamsburg city website.