NEWS: York County Budget Survey Reveals Strong Opinions on Taxes and Transparency
FlashSurvey results indicate desire for clearer communication, earlier input, and more fiscal restraint in County budget decisions
A recent FlashVote survey conducted June 10–12, 2025, offered York County officials a window into residents’ perspectives on the FY2026 budget engagement process. The statistically valid survey included responses from 413 participants, representing 48% of the invited FlashVote panel, and an additional 18 residents. With a ±5% margin of error, the results point to both participation challenges and strong resident interest in County fiscal decisions.
More than half (54%) of respondents reported they had not received budget information or provided any input during the process, with 29% saying they had engaged, and 17% unsure. Of those who did participate, most (61%) read information from the County via email or website. Other engagement methods included following public discussions (37%), reading news coverage (35%), and attending meetings or speaking with County officials (19% and 18%, respectively).
Engagement Barriers and Preferred Methods
Among those who did not participate, 68% cited lack of awareness of the engagement process as the primary reason. Others expressed skepticism about whether their input would make a difference or felt they lacked time or expertise to contribute. Still, the vast majority of respondents said they would be interested in future engagement, with preferences leaning toward short surveys (74%), emails (68%), and online forms (48%). In-person meetings (31%) and social media (14%) were less commonly selected.
Resident Feedback: Communication and Transparency
Many residents expressed frustration about learning of budget decisions after the fact or primarily through social media. Several noted a lack of broad outreach from the County. Suggestions included community-wide email alerts, mailed notices—particularly to older residents—and clearer information posted on the County website and in local media. One respondent wrote, “I pay close attention, but I didn’t know this process was happening.”
Other feedback focused on timing, requesting more advance notice and breakdowns of proposed budget items before final decisions. One resident asked for the County to “Publish a schedule that shows when residents can be informed and provide input—before it’s too late.”
Some praised the County’s efforts to increase accessibility, saying, “There were plenty of meetings and opportunities to participate,” and “The process is better than it has been in the past.” Others remained critical, characterizing budget documents as “overwhelming and filled with fluff” and calling for explanations in “layman's terms” to help more people understand County finances.
Concerns Over Spending and Taxes
Taxes were a frequent topic in open comments, with many residents urging the County to reduce spending and avoid tax increases. One commenter cited a 32.4% rise in their real estate tax over two years, while others pointed to large capital projects—such as a new sports complex, firehouse, or sheriff’s office—as unnecessary. Multiple responses criticized perceived “wasteful” spending or called for “freezing or cutting all taxes.”
Residents also raised concerns about long-term planning and project priorities. Some opposed the continued development of apartments and multi-family housing, while others requested investment in areas like public safety and underground utilities. Several residents called for reviews of specific programs or agencies, including the County’s relationship with the Williamsburg Library, the Economic Development Authority, and other partnerships.
Views on Governance and Accountability
Some responses expressed distrust toward County leadership, calling for term limits or more detailed justifications for budget votes. One commenter asked for Board of Supervisors members to explain their votes publicly, especially in cases of dissent. Others criticized what they viewed as a lack of responsiveness: “Start listening to the taxpayers who provide the money. Stop squandering it.”
Yet, several residents voiced appreciation for the Board’s efforts and acknowledged the challenges of balancing diverse opinions: “It’s a difficult job to find balance for as many people as possible.” Another wrote, “I love this community involvement—thank you.”
Williamsburg Independent produced this update using AI and these sources:
York County Survey Results: Budget Engagement Process
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