York, on course to leave Williamsburg regional library, budgets $27 million for a new library

It's April 7. Also in the news: Williamsburg punts on Rent Ready. James City County and Williamsburg turn down request for more school money.

York County chair says new Williamsburg library, left, and James City County annex, right, will add more to its costs. (architect renderings)

Correction — we have corrected city manager DeWitt’s name, which was misspelled in the original story about Williamsburg city council.

York County’s proposed budget includes $27 million to build a library at the north end of the county, in case it pulls out of the Williamsburg Regional Library system.

County Chair Douglas R. Holroyd told his constituents Monday that while he’d like for York to remain with the regional library system, he opposes the 10% increase he said is being sought as York’s contribution for the new fiscal year starting in July.

Williamsburg Regional Library charges its member localities based on how much residents check out of the library. James City County pays the largest share -- $6.3 million this year -- while Williamsburg is paying $1.141 million and York $890,000.

In his April newsletter to constituents, Holroyd said York is being asked to pay 10% more starting July 1. He warned costs would rise further to operate a new downtown library planned by Williamsburg, and a new library annex planned for James City County’s new government center.

Holroyd said York County is negotiating to get its contribution lowered. But he said the county included the cost of a new library in its capital improvement plan in case there is no agreement.

York gave its required two-year notice that it would leave the regional library last June. Should it go through with the cancellation, York would leave the regional library system in June of 2027.

The capital plan being discussed by York County supervisors this week includes $2 million of spending in 2027 and another $25 million in 2028 to build a North County library.

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Williamsburg council punts on plan to certify rental homes for students, dives into proposed city budget

After spending five years hearing proposals on the subject, Williamsburg City Council decided to stop moving forward with a plan to certify houses for rent to college students.