$121.15 million budget proposed for Williamsburg, a 17% increase

It's March 31. City's proposed budget raises water and sewer fees, gains from meals and tourism taxes. Musical Swings open. Three teens arrested in shooting death of 15-year-old James City County boy.

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City Manager Michelle Mixner Dewitt unveiled a proposed $121.15 million budget for fiscal year 2027 Monday -- a 17% increase over the current year -- with revenue growth coming largely from increased meals and tourism taxes.

1. The real estate tax rate remains flat at $0.62 per $100 of assessed value, but taxpayers will pay $1 million more due to higher property assessments.

2. There is no increase in personal property tax rates.

3. Water rates would increase from $6.90 to $7.37 per 1,000 gallons to pay for water and sewer upgrades.

4. The city will be getting its largest revenue increase, $3.2 million, from increased meals taxes, tourism taxes and its new admissions tax.

The proposed budget spends almost as much on capital improvement projects -- $41.64 million – as on the $55.03 million general fund that pays recurring operating costs. Public safety is the city’s largest operating expense, at 31% or $18 million, followed by education at $14.5 million. At $5 million, payment on city d…