Radford Council Debates Budget Options for FY 2026-2027

City Manager outlines proposed tax and rate increases, but Council seeks middle ground on real estate and water fees.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:24pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty city council chamber, with sunlight streaming in through the windows and casting long shadows across the room, conveying a sense of contemplation and the weight of the budget decisions facing the local government.The Radford City Council debates budget options in a somber, contemplative setting, reflecting the gravity of the decisions that will impact the community.New River Today

The Radford City Council held a special budget meeting to discuss the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget, which included a real estate tax increase from $0.82 to $0.87 per $100 of assessed value, a $1.00 increase in water rates resulting in a $4.00 per month hike for the minimum 4,000 gallon usage, and a 5% increase in electric rates. Council members debated various cost-cutting measures and alternative rate structures, ultimately asking the City Manager to research the effects of a middle-ground approach on real estate and water fees.

Why it matters

Radford is grappling with revenue losses from Radford University's switch to its own power source and Pulaski County's decision to end a revenue sharing agreement. The budget aims to stabilize the city's finances and fund essential services, but Council members are weighing the impact of tax and rate hikes on residents.

The details

City Manager Todd Meredith reviewed the proposed budget, which was balanced with the planned tax and rate increases. However, the budget would not fund all non-governmental organizations, capital needs, or significantly grow fund balances. Council members discussed options like reducing library and recreation center hours, charging for leaf collection, and outsourcing sanitation services. Councilman Guy Wohlford proposed a smaller real estate tax hike offset by a larger water rate increase, while Vice-Mayor Seth Gillespie supported that approach to ease the burden on residents. Councilwoman Jessi Foster urged the Council to take the 'hard work' needed to maintain the city's financial stability.

  • The Radford City Council held a special budget meeting on Monday, April 8, 2026.
  • The next scheduled budget meeting will be on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 6:00 pm.

The players

Todd Meredith

Radford City Manager who presented the proposed budget details.

Guy Wohlford

Radford City Councilman who proposed reducing the real estate tax hike and increasing the water rate hike.

David Horton

Radford Mayor who expressed concern over lowering the real estate tax rate increase.

Seth Gillespie

Radford Vice-Mayor who supported Wohlford's proposal to ease the burden on residents.

Jessi Foster

Radford City Councilwoman who urged the Council to take the necessary steps to maintain the city's financial stability.

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What they’re saying

“We've done the heavy lifting there. With the budget as proposed over three years that's a 23 cent increase. That's significant.”

— Seth Gillespie, Radford Vice-Mayor

“We have to be building for some of these capital reserve projects. They're coming so we have to start addressing that.”

— Seth Gillespie, Radford Vice-Mayor

“The City needed to bring the revenues in and start creating that equilibrium back or make more sacrifices.”

— Jessi Foster, Radford City Councilwoman

What’s next

The Radford City Council asked the City Manager to research the effects of a middle-ground approach on real estate and water fee increases, and present his findings at the next budget meeting on April 13, 2026.

The takeaway

Radford is facing tough budget decisions as it grapples with revenue losses and the need to stabilize its finances. The Council is weighing the impact of tax and rate hikes on residents, seeking a balanced approach that maintains essential services while easing the burden on the community.