Danville City Council adopts fiscal 2023 budget

Danville City Council has closed the books on another budget season.  The panel unanimously approved a $285.6 million dollar spending plan that includes no tax rate increases.  That’s nearly two-percent higher than the current budget.

New property assessments could mean some will pay a bit more. Those reassessments were coming in at around three-percent higher than previous values.  The final numbers have not been released.

The new budget includes increased fees for hangar rentals and a new $25/hour library fee for marker space.  Utility rates and other fees are also unchanged.  With the city is in the middle of a utility rate study, there could be an adjustment in the sewer rates this summer.  Water rates are expected to remain steady until 2026.

City Manager Ken Larking says the budget was fueled by increased revenues in all categories.  “We anticipate several million dollars in additional revenue from those sources,” Larking said. “The investments we’ve made in our community to improve economic development, to make it a safer community and to work on education is really starting to pay dividends.”

The budget does not include any proceeds from the soon-to-be-built Caesar’s Virginia casino.  Their first regular tax payments won’t come on the books until next year’s budget is drawn up.

The adopted budget adds a new position in Parks and Recreation and upgrades two part-time positions to full time. It also expands “Project Imagine,” the city’s award-winning gang prevention program to target at-risk youth. 

The budget maintains the same level of local support for the Danville Public School system.  The School Board did not ask for an increase in local funding.

The budget also continues investments in the River District and public safety, including equipment for the new Danville Police headquarters.