March 26, 2026 Work Session and Regular Meeting of Staunton City Council

The City of Staunton, VA, held a work session and regular meeting on March 26, 2026, with significant focus on procurement and budgetary matters. A key highlight was the demonstration of an interactive project map linked to the city's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), designed to provide public transparency on infrastructure projects, their timelines, and funding sources. The council discussed the conceptual site plan for the juvenile and domestic relations district court site, considering future development, green space preservation, stormwater management, and parking needs, with input on balancing infrastructure and community amenities. The meeting included a closed session addressing a public contract related to fluoride infrastructure. The FY27 budget was presented, totaling over $168 million, with no tax rate increases except a cigarette tax hike. The budget emphasized infrastructure maintenance, public safety, education funding, and technology upgrades, including a new CAD system for emergency services. Several capital projects, such as park bathroom renovations and utility rate increases to support water and sewer infrastructure needs, were detailed. Unfunded requests totaling over $1.2 million remain, including public safety staffing and equipment. The council also reviewed debt capacity and discussed ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiencies and community services. No formal votes on contract awards were detailed, but the fluoride infrastructure contract was noted in closed session, indicating active procurement negotiations.