WEST POINT — The Town of West Point does not expect to raise taxes to balance its books in the next financial year, notwithstanding a potential funding gap, Town Manager John Edwards said.
Edwards, the outgoing town manager, told Town Council members on Feb. 24 that the town is unlikely to raise its tax rate to meet pressures in the fiscal year 2027 budget.
West Point is facing a possible budget shortfall of just over $400,000 as it considers department requests for FY2027.
Town of West Point
West Point Town Manager John Edwards
A year ago, the town raised taxes to help meet a budget shortfall and other financial pressures. The shortfall in FY26 was almost $1 million. West Point imposed a 3-cent increase in real estate taxes, a 20-cent increase in personal property taxes and a 13-cent hike in the machinery and tools tax last year.
West Point residents ended up paying an additional 6.5 cents per $100 in value on real estate because King William County imposed a 3.5-cent rise.
This year, the town faces a funding gap of about $418,000, Assistant Town Manager Steve Hudgins revealed in a preliminary budget report to the council on Jan. 27.
Hudgins detailed expected expenses of $12.2 million against revenues of $11.7 million during his presentation of the FY27 budget request.
“Based on all the calculations our staff has put in so far, we do not anticipate the need for a tax increase this year to balance our budget,” Edwards stated on Feb. 24.
Edwards said reporting on the funding gap had sparked some online outrage about a potential tax increase.
“I’m here to say that unless something changes significantly before the recommended budget is presented at the end of March, I do not anticipate a need for a tax increase,” Edwards said.
Edwards began an extended leave on March 1 in preparation for his retirement. Hudgins is now the acting town manager.
The Town Council will hold a budget work session on March 19. Hudgins is due to present the recommended budget to the town council on March 31. A public hearing is likely to be held on April 21, with a vote on adoption slated for April 28.
David Macaulay, [email protected]