Throughout March and early April, Albemarle County residents will have the opportunity to learn about — and give feedback on — the county’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The first public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, during the Board of Supervisor’s 6 p.m. meeting in Lane Auditorium at the Albemarle County Office Building.
The county is also planning six separate town halls on the topic, each of which will begin with a 30-minute open house for residents to meet county staff and learn about various programs they administer and services they provide. Elected officials also will be present at each event.
After that, County Executive Jeff Richardson will present the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. His presentation is expected to focus on revenue outlook as well as projects county leadership and staff want to prioritize, according to an Albemarle County webpage about the events. The budget will cover the county’s operations for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
After Richardson’s presentation, audience members will have the chance to ask questions.
Richardson proposed a draft budget to the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25. A video recording of Richardson’s full presentation, as well as the accompanying slides, are available to view on the Albemarle County website.
A recent analysis of the county’s strategic plan helps explain some of what the Board and county staff are prioritizing in the budget and why, said Albemarle County spokesperson Abbey Stumpf.
The Board of Supervisors has final say over the budget, but community members will have the chance to share their thoughts about it in some additional upcoming public meetings. Beginning in March, the Board will hold a handful of budget work sessions, each likely focused on different aspects of the budget, said Stumpf.
The work sessions are open to the public and will be livestreamed. Read more information on the county’s FY27 budget calendar, including dates for work sessions and public hearings, and view upcoming meeting agendas, as well as live streaming links, on the Albemarle County website.
The Board will also hold a few public hearings on the budget in April and is expected to vote on whether to adopt the budget later that month, possibly at its April 22 meeting.
Take action
Learn about Albemarle County’s fiscal year 2027 budget
Residents can learn more about, and comment on, the county’s revenue outlook, projects and priorities. The first public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4 during the Board of Supervisor’s 6 p.m. meeting in Lane Auditorium at the Albemarle County Office Building, located at 401 McIntire Rd. in Charlottesville (view the meeting agenda).
Residents can also participate in one of six community budget town hall events held by Albemarle County elected officials and staff:
- Thursday, March 19, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., The Center at Belvedere, 540 Belvedere Blvd., Charlottesville
- Monday, March 23, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Western Albemarle High School cafeteria, 5941 Rockfish Gap Turnpike, Crozet
- Wednesday, March 25, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Albemarle County Office Building, 1600 5th St., Charlottesville
- Thursday, March 26, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Yancey Community Center cafeteria, 7625 Porters Road, Esmont
- Monday, March 30, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Lakeside Middle School cafeteria, 2801 Powell Creek Drive, Charlottesville
- Thursday, April 2, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Albemarle High School media center, 2775 Hydraulic Road, Charlottesville
Albemarle County Parks & Rec will provide childcare at each event. Anyone who needs accommodations in order to attend must contact Tamara Ryan in the Public Services Accessibility department at least 5 business days before the event they intend to attend. Ryan can be reached by phone at 434-296-5841 x3240 or by email at tryan[at]albemarle[dot]org.
More information is available on Albemarle County’s FY27 budget calendar, including dates for work sessions and public hearings.
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