Town of Blacksburg Adopted Operating Budget FY 2027

These positions are the highest priority among those considered and are fully supported within projected revenues. Blacksburg Transit – Blacksburg Transit is a critical component of the Town's transportation system, with ridership expected to exceed 5 million passengers this year. As Virginia Tech continues to grow and more students live off campus, demand for transit service will only increase. BT consistently evaluates its operations for efficiency improvements, and the budget includes additional service to meet this growth. Eight new full-time Bus Operator positions and two full-time Transit Dispatcher positions are included to support current and expanded service and ensure adequate dispatcher coverage during peak times. Blacksburg Transit has operated fare-free since 2020, with funding provided primarily through federal and state grants, along with contract funding from Virginia Tech and the Town of Christiansburg. Utilities – The Town provides public water, sanitary sewer, trash and recycling collection, and stormwater management. Rate increases are proposed for water, sewer, and solid waste and recycling in FY 2027, driven primarily by inflation in electricity, fuel, labor, and operating supplies and equipment. Stormwater rates remain unchanged. The Town will conduct a comprehensive utility rate study in the coming year to develop a long-range rate plan that accounts for operating costs and upcoming capital improvement needs. • Water rates are increasing 6%, reflecting higher operating costs at the NRV Water Authority, inflationary pressures, and capital costs to maintain the distribution system. • Sewer rates are also increasing 6%, due to rising operating and capital costs at the Sanitation Authority and Town capital projects to replace aging sewer infrastructure. • Solid waste and recycling rates are increasing 7%. The increases reflect higher tipping fees at the Regional Solid Waste Authority and inflationary cost increases from the Town's solid waste and recycling collection contractor. • The average Blacksburg utility customer with 6,000 gallons of monthly water usage can expect a rate increase of 6%, or approximately $8.40 per month. Agency Funding - The Town provides funding for non-profit agencies that provide public services in the Town of Blacksburg. The Town received funding requests from thirty organizations this year. As has been past practice, recommended funding is at the same level as approved last year by Town Council. Town Council will have an opportunity to discuss agency funding over the next two months in budget work sessions.

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