April 9, 2026 Work Session and Regular Meeting of Staunton City Council

The April 9, 2026, joint work session and regular meeting of the Staunton City Council and Staunton City School Board focused heavily on budget discussions for FY2027, including a proposed $4 million increase in the school board budget and detailed allocations for city departments. Key procurement-related topics included funding for infrastructure projects such as water and sewer system upgrades, landfill capital needs, and maintenance of public facilities. The council reviewed enterprise fund rates for water, sewer, and refuse services, with proposals for rate increases and a new utility rate study RFP to better align fees with costs and capital needs. The meeting also featured an update on the Stanton Crossing business plan, emphasizing the need to refresh the master plan to attract targeted industries like pharmaceuticals and data centers, and to advance site readiness for economic development. Several unfunded operating and capital requests were noted, including positions and equipment, with discussions on balancing budget priorities and maintaining critical infrastructure. No votes on procurement contracts were recorded, but the council set the stage for future procurement activity through budget approvals and strategic planning.