YORK COUNTY — As York County prepares its 2026 budget, the county is asking for citizen input.
In order for York County residents to voice their opinion regarding the upcoming budget, citizens can fill out an online survey, email the county (bos@yorkcounty.gov), leave a voice mail at 757-890-3220 or speak at an upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting.
There will also be two Town Hall meetings — March 25 and April 3 — each beginning at 7 p.m.
In a video presentation on the county webpage Mark Bellamy, York County Administrator, stated, “As my team and I prepare for the fiscal year 2026 budget, we want to hear from you — the citizens of York County. Your comments and questions will help us understand your priorities.”
During the Jan. 21 board meeting, York County Director or Finance Theresa Owens gave a brief overview about the budget process.
The budget process, explained Owens, begins with the Board’s strategic guidance and priorities. Each department submits a request and the County Administration along with the budget staff and committee starts reviewing the budget with each department where revenue and expenditures projections are reconciled. Then, the final budget is presented for Board review and public hearing before the approval and May adoption.
York County’s revenue outlook is “a little slow” stated Owens, “we see little modest to little growth in real estate and personal property tax. Our consumer taxes are running pretty flat so, we need to plan for that. We need to maintain our tax rates — I think that has been a board wish for us — and we are seeing small increases in state revenues based on the governor’s budget.”
Fiscal Year 2025, Owens pointed out, had 67% of budget that was allocated to schools and public safety.
In preparing the FY 2026 budget, the county needs to consider meeting all legal and contractual obligations, maintain current service levels, support the school division and invest in its employees, she said.
Board member Tom Shepperd asked for clarification on the Public safety portion of the FY 2025 Budget Expenditures by Function slide that was present at the meeting, “We love pie charts. But, what happens is a big slice of pie — 22% — needs to divvy that up a little bit more.”
Owens responded, “that is made up of other services — about ten to 12 departments” that include Treasurer, Commissioner, Finance, County Attorney, County Administrator, Planning, IT and Community Services.
“We used to take this pie chart and it used to be smaller slices.” Shepperd continued, “When people in the public sit and look at 22% and are worried about revenue — then go in the 22% and start taking out because we understand education and we understand the fire department and police department. The 22% is just to big of a hunk — it’s like a void. It needs more information.”
Shepperd continued that certain items are state-mandated functions, such as Treasurer and Commissioner of Revenue, that citizens need to understand the requirements and those services should be better defined.
Stephen Roane agreed with Shepperd that it is important for citizens to understand the disbursement.
Visit the York County webpage for information regarding budget meetings and contact information.
