Hanover leaders approve $427 million budget for fiscal year 2027
VENN
HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Hanover County leaders have adopted a $427 million budget for the next fiscal year, prioritizing investments in the county's schools, public safety, infrastructure and workforce.
On Tuesday, April 8, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the county's budget for fiscal year 2027. The proposal represents a 3.3% increase over fiscal year 2026.
“This budget reflects a lot of thoughtful discussion and input from our community,” said Board of Supervisors chair Sean M. Davis in a press release. “It keeps us focused on what matters most to our residents, strong schools, safe neighborhoods and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.”
In its release, the county highlighted several parts of the proposal. Officials said nearly 60% of the budget is "dedicated to education and public safety."
This includes an additional $5.6 million investment in Hanover County Public Schools' operations, which will support a 3% salary adjustment and "targeted pay improvements for hard-to-fill positions," the county said.
In terms of public safety, Pamunkey Regional Jail saw its budget increase. The county also made further staffing investments across several of Hanover's public safety departments.
Over the next five years, $180.7 million will be invested in county infrastructure projects, such as the widening of Atlee Station Road, Route 33 and Pole Green Road. Of this sum, $7 million will go towards enhancing Courthouse, Hanover Wayside, Montpelier, Pole Green, Poor Farm and Taylor parks, as well as various trails and school practice fields.
The Hanover Department of Public Utilities (DPU) was given $108 million, including $74.6 million in capital improvements. Over the next five years, $218 million will be invested in the county's water and wastewater infrastructure.
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"A 6.5% increase in water and sewer rates will increase the typical residential bill by $4.68 bimonthly," the county said in the release. "No increase to capacity fees is included."
Another $5.3 million will go towards tax relief programs for older and disabled residents, as well as qualifying disabled veterans.
“This budget continues our commitment to responsible financial management while investing in the services our residents rely on every day,” said county administrator John A. Budesky in the release. “We are supporting education, strengthening public safety and planning carefully for Hanover’s future.”
