Waynesboro Council weighed sales tax referendum and budget amendments; outcomes pending
Waynesboro's City Council had its busiest agenda of the past two weeks on July 13, with a proposed 1% retail sales tax referendum for school capital projects and multiple budget amendments on the table. All recent meetings in this period have agendas available but minutes not yet published, so final outcomes — including vote tallies — are not confirmed in the record.
City Council — July 13
The Council agenda included a resolution to initiate a referendum on an additional 1% retail sales tax to fund city school construction and renovation projects. If the referendum is placed before voters and approved, the tax would apply to retail sales within the city.
The agenda also listed several budget amendments:
- Fiscal year 2026: $17,752,989 (Capital Improvement Program) and $6,670,000
- Fiscal year 2027: $720,000 (Capital Improvement Program) and $4,052,513 (Small Capital)
Other items on the agenda included an ordinance to convey property at 1200 Shenandoah to the Waynesboro Redevelopment and Housing Authority, a resolution authorizing the Port Republic Road Neighborhood Sign Project, approval of downtown road closures for the Chili Brews and Blues Festival and the Virginia Fall Foliage Art Show, and updates on opioid abatement efforts.
Because minutes have not been published, it is not yet known which items were approved, amended, or deferred.
Electoral Board — July 6
The Waynesboro Electoral Board met July 6 to prepare for the August Primary. Agenda items included selecting election officers, confirming the date, content, and format for August Primary training, reviewing officer availability, and conducting a performance review of the registrar. The board also planned to welcome new member Alex Branch and review the assignment of duties between the registrar and the board. Minutes are not yet published.
Planning Commission — July 7
The Planning Commission held a work session July 7 with a single agenda item: continuation of the land use discussion for the Waynesboro Together Comprehensive Plan Update. The session was led by Will Cockrell and Tyler Hinkle of EPR, PC. No votes or public hearings were scheduled. Minutes are not yet published.
Greater Augusta Regional Tourism — July 14
The GART board held its quarterly meeting July 14. The agenda contained only logistical details, with no specific decisions, proposals, or discussions listed. Minutes are not yet published.
Coming up
- **July 21 — Planning Commission:** Public hearing on conditional use permit CUP#26-028 to allow temporary special events at 601 Alphin Avenue (Mimosa Farm). Commissioners will also continue the land use discussion for the Waynesboro Together Comprehensive Plan Update and consider approval of minutes from the June 2 work session and June 16 regular meeting.
- **July 21 — Electoral Board:** Final plans for the August Primary and a closed-session registrar's performance review, with a public comment period before adjournment.
- **July 21 — Library Board:** Scheduled to meet at the Waynesboro Public Library; no agenda items listed.
- **July 22 — Board of Building Code Appeals:** The board will adopt ground-rules for hearings, a fee policy, application minimum-requirement policy, and record-keeping policy. It will also discuss a recent appeal and schedule a hearing within 14 days.