Supervisors Vote on a Number of Budget-Related Items and Send Another Back to Planning Commission for Public Hearing

At its Special Meeting of April 28th, the Warren County Board of Supervisors opened with a Public Hearing on “Manufactured Homes Calendar Year 2026 Tax Rates. There were no speakers on the topic at the sparsely attended meeting, and the supervisors offered no discussion before a board vote on the matter.

After closing the public hearing and receiving no response to her call for board discussion, Chairman Cheryl Cullers asked for a motion. Vice-Chairman Tony Carter offered the staff-suggested motion on the item, which read: “I move that the Manufactured Homes tax rates be set at $.569 per $100 of assessed value.” The existing rate was .479 per $100 of assessed value.

Following a second from Supervisor Hugh Henry, the board approved the .569 “Manufactured Homes” tax rate by a 4-1 vote, Richard Jamieson dissenting.

Despite the sparsely attended meeting, the County Supervisors have business to conduct as the final consideration of various budget items approaches. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

Next was the adoption of a Resolution to set a percentage of “Tax Relief for Personal Property (Motor Vehicles) for the 2026 Tax Year.” The staff prepared an agenda packet addressed to the matter.

EXPLANATION & SUMMARY: “Pursuant to Section 160-109 of the Warren County Code, adopted in compliance with the State Appropriations Act, it is necessary for the Board of Supervisors annually to set the percentage of personal property tax relief for motor vehicle owners within the County. This is part of the ‘no Car Tax’ legislation adopted by the General Assembly years ago. The legislature has established a cap on the reimbursements it makes to localities, and has required each locality to set this percentage as a means of providing for the reimbursement to the locality for the reduction in this tax.”

It was noted that “Commissioner of the Revenue Sherry T. Sours has calculated that the rate for the 2026 tax year should be 27.36% or 27%.” And on a motion by Carter, seconded by Henry, the Resolution was passed, this time by a unanimous 5-0 vote.

Airport Hangar project funding

Then on the agenda was a financial oversight revisiting of the County-overseen Front Royal Airport (FRR) Box Hangar Project. County Public Works Director Mike Berry was again present to summarize the project and respond to board questions.

County Public Works Director Mike Berry was again present to answer questions on the revenue expenditures and expected positive return on investment from the County Airport’s Box Hangar Project.

The staff agenda packet had a detailed summary of the project launch, positive economic impacts, and forecasted additional revenue impacts upon completion. Here is that report in its entirety:

“EXPLANATION & SUMMARY: The Front Royal-Warren County Airport (FRR) continues to implement its adopted Airport Master Plan and Airport Layout Plan, which enables eligibility for federal and state aviation funding. The Airport currently has demonstrated demand for hangar space, with a waiting list and deposits accepted for future availability.

“The proposed project includes the construction of six new box hangars at the Front Royal-Warren County Airport. Two of the hangars will be 60’ x 60’ and located on the western portion of the midfield hangar area. The remaining four hangars will be 40’ x 42’ and located on the eastern portion of the midfield hangar area.

“Environmental reviews and design work have been completed in accordance with FAA requirements. On August 15, 2025, the County was awarded approximately $1.02 million in Virginia Department of Aviation funding for site development of the box hangars. Site preparation work is currently underway, including retaining walls and underground stormwater and drainage infrastructure.

“The County has approximately $563,000 in FAA IIJA funds available to support the project. Once completed, the hangars are expected to be immediately occupied, generating additional revenue through leases, fuel sales, and increased local economic activity.

“The Airport Commission & Warren County Staff recommends continued support and advancement of the hangar expansion project to meet demand and enhance airport operations and economic development.”

And with that report in hand, the board again voted unanimously to approve the additional appropriations funding. That motion by Supervisor John Stanmeyer read as follows: “I move that the Board of Supervisors approve the Airport Fund supplemental appropriation not to exceed one-and-a-half-million dollars within the Airport Fund from the use of fund balance. I further move the Board to authorize the Finance & Purchasing Department to issue Invitations for Bids for the Box Hangar Construction Project.” Supervisor Henry again offered the second on the submitted motion.

Rapp Electric Substation reconsideration

In a final act of business, the board voted 5-0 on a motion by Hugh Henry, seconded by Richard Jamieson, to return consideration of a Rappahannock Electric Cooperative Substation Comprehensive Plan Review at 386 Ashby Station Road to the Planning Commission for a public hearing.

The staff agenda EXPLANATION & SUMMARY included the following information: “On April 8, 2026, the Warren County Planning Commission considered a request from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative for a determination that a proposed electric substation at 386 Ashby Station Road is substantially in accord with the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed use is permitted by right in all zoning districts in Warren County. After review, the Planning Commission voted 3–0, with one abstention, to approve the request and transmitted its written findings to the Board of Supervisors.”

Staff present to outline various items or answer questions, including Finance Director Alisa Scott and Interim County Administrator David Martin.

Perhaps based on negative citizen feedback, the issue for the supervisors appeared to be the criteria considered, leading to the conclusion that the request “is substantially in accord with the Comprehensive Plan,” because it would seem, “The proposed use is permitted by right in all zoning districts in Warren County.”

Should there be tighter scrutiny placed on various commercial uses across county district lines? Perhaps the announced County Planning Commission public hearing on the matter will lead to suggested answers to that question.

Watch the Warren County Board of Supervisors Meeting of April 28, 2026.