New Kent budget plan proposes $0.05 real‑estate tax increase to fund courthouse and elementary school projects

County Administrator Hathaway presented the proposed FY 2027 budget to the Board, reporting a total recommended budget of $266,028,903 driven mainly by capital spending of roughly $151 million. The two largest capital projects are a new courthouse (approx. $70 million, including renovation of the existing courthouse for administration use) and a new New Kent Elementary School (approx. $58 million).

Hathaway said the proposal would require increasing the real‑estate tax rate to $0.59 per $100 of assessed value — a net increase of $0.05 — to fund debt service for the capital projects and cover operational needs. Of the proposed five‑cent increase, $0.04 is earmarked for debt service on the capital projects and $0.01 for operating costs. Hathaway noted the county’s reassessment had effectively equalized rates and that one penny on the tax rate equals about $631,503 in revenue (staff use $618,873 after a 98% collection assumption).

Other highlights included $2.2M in proposed new revenues tied to automated speed‑enforcement funding for new sheriff’s office positions, a proposed 2% cost‑of‑living increase for employees, and $245,000 proposed for cybersecurity upgrades. Hathaway said a budget retreat is scheduled for March 13 and that public hearings on tax rates and the overall budget will be held on April 13 and May 11, respectively.

Board members asked for additional detail and said they would continue work at the retreat; no budget adoption vote occurred Monday.