Manassas Park adopts FY2027 school budget, sets tax ceiling ahead of June hearing

The Manassas Park City Council voted on May 5 to adopt the FY2027 school division budget and to publish maximum tax rates to be considered at a June 2 public hearing.

Council adopted the school‑division resolution as presented; council members praised the school administration for keeping the budget tight amid decreasing enrollment. The governing body then considered the city’s FY2027 proposed budget 'not to exceed' a recommended 1.5‑cent tax‑rate ceiling. After discussion about whether staff should produce additional lower‑rate scenarios, a majority of council members declined further scenario work and supported publishing the 1.5 recommended ceiling.

City staff told the council that, with the new assessed values and the recommended ceiling, the average Manassas Park home would see an estimated net increase of about $216 per year; the statement was delivered by city staff during the tax discussion. Council members asked for follow‑up material on employee compensation and certain program actuals ahead of final adoption.

On the consent agenda, the council approved a resolution endorsing submission of a FY26 'Safe Streets for All' grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation, subject to final city‑attorney review. All items on the consent agenda were adopted by voice vote; specific roll‑call tallies were not included in the public transcript.

The meeting concluded with a motion and vote to convene a closed meeting under Virginia Code section 2.2‑3711(A)(1) to discuss personnel matters.

Next procedural steps: the city will publish the recommended maximum tax rates in advance of a June 2 public hearing and staff will return with any required follow‑up information on budget actuals and employee compensation.