The Staunton City Council convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, which totals $164,535,789. The meeting began with a presentation by Jessie Moyer, who outlined the budget details that emerged from the previous work session.

The budget allocates $112,846,002.85 to the city and $51,689,504 to the school system, with a local transfer to schools set at $18,900,000, reflecting a 9.55% increase. The proposed real estate tax rate remains unchanged at 91 cents per $100 assessed value, with no additional changes to tax rates or fees.

Moyer highlighted key human resources expenditures, including a 3% cost of living adjustment and a 10% increase in health insurance premiums for both employers and employees. The budget also proposes four new positions related to the upcoming courthouse opening, including one full-time deputy and one part-time deputy, as well as custodial staff. Additionally, funding for a traffic position and a water distribution position, previously frozen, will be restored.

Significant funding increases were noted for various outside agencies and social programs. The Valley Community Services Board will receive a $137,000 increase, while the Valley Children's Advocacy Center will see a $35,000 increase. Other notable allocations include $29,000 for the Office on Youth, over $280,000 for the local share of the Department of Social Services, and $119,000 for the animal shelter.

The capital improvement plan for the next five years is set at $78,729,917, with a general fund transfer of $1,500,000. This includes ongoing funding for infrastructure projects and the establishment of a new annual infrastructure reserve of $657,030.

The council opened the floor for questions following the presentation, indicating a collaborative approach to finalizing the budget. The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the budget discussions in future sessions, ensuring that all community needs are addressed before the final vote.