Bristol, Virginia Proposes $150M Budget with Lower Trash Rate, Higher Meal and Lodging Tax

Bristol, Virginia, has put forth a proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year amounting to approximately $150 million. The city’s elected officials and council members have devoted the last few months to establishing priorities and requirements for the new budget.

Introduction of the New Budget

City council member in Bristol, Virginia, Anthony Farnum explained, “The budget is always an interesting time. We are trying to ascertain what our budget will look like in terms of incoming revenue, tax revenues from real estate, restaurants, and hotels.”

One primary area of concern during this budget planning process has been the landfill costs in Bristol, Virginia, including the rate of trash.

Reduced Trash Rates, Increased Meal and Lodging Tax

Farnum remarked on the notable concerns of residents regarding trash rates, “That’s certainly something that, we, as a city council, have heard overwhelmingly from the citizens. Last year, we saw an increase, and we had to cover multiple expenses, particularly at the landfill.”

Mayor of Bristol, Virginia, Becky Nave, recognized the difficulties faced by citizens due to the increased rates, stating, “Last year, the hike in rates was a burden on our citizens. We were compelled to take that decision, but we are now working on ways to reduce the financial stress on our constituents.”

The city officials have been meticulously planning and reallocating finances to devise a way to cut costs for the citizens. The proposal for the trash rate, which presently stands at $48 a month, is to be reduced by $10, bringing it down to $38 a month.

However, to balance the budget, considerations are being made to alter various tax rates. The real estate tax and personal property tax on vehicles are expected to remain stable, but changes in the lodging tax are anticipated. As Farnum explained, “The hotel, Lodging tax is not really paid by citizens, it’s paid more by visitors.”

Rising Meal and Lodging Taxes to Offset Costs

City leaders are proposing a slight increase in meals and lodging taxes to help cover the cost of reducing trash collection prices. “We have scrutinized the situation and figured out that small increase in meals and lodging taxes — one percent for meals and two percent for lodging — could help offset the cost of trash collection,” said Mayor Nave.

City Council’s Advice for Citizens

In light of these proposed changes, city leaders are encouraging their citizens to remain hopeful. “Despite the challenges we’ve faced in Bristol, particularly dealing with the large debt and the projects at the landfill over the past years, there’s reason to be hopeful. New businesses are choosing Bristol,” Farnum shared.

The Bristol, Virginia city council is scheduled to cast the vital vote to formally adopt this new budget on May 28.