The Accomack County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the county’s fiscal year 2027 budget on April 8, which included saving its Translator Television Service (TTV).
The decision came on the heels of an uproar from county residents opposing plans in the draft budget to sunset the program to save money annually, along with the high cost of replacing its outdated equipment.
County officials announced their decision before a series of budget-related public hearings on March 30th. They received 110 phone calls and emails, along with 274 names recorded on two petitions supporting its continuation.
County Administrator Mike Mason said that the $140,000 needed for the Translator Television Service equipment will come from $2 million in school division carry-forward funds the county had allocated to plug its EMS fund imbalance.
TTV provides free terrestrial television reception for Shore residents to access Hampton Roads news channels, including WHRO and other local news stations.
Chincoteague resident Lorna Gagneux said in an email to the county that affordability was the primary issue to keep the service, especially when people struggled to afford food, gas and medical expenses.
At the March public hearing, Hallwood resident Paul Brothers – who built his antennas from scrap metal -- suggested adding sub-channels to the service and exploring if the county could rent tower space to cell phone companies for some revenue.
Barney Russell, owner of Bullfeathers, an internet and satellite television services provider located in Onley, said he’s had an upsurge in antenna purchases in the last six months.
He said his customers seem to be switching from cable to streaming services, but still wanted access to local channels provided through TTV.
“Now, we’re pointing a big arrow at it,” he said.
Administrator Mason said the overall 2027 budget of $86,158,069 represents a 3.6% decrease over the current fiscal year.
While 2027's operating budget of $79,680,813 is 3.3% higher, the capital budget of $3,324,464 represents a 6.1% decrease.
The retirement of certain county debts, along with a decline in investment returns, also contributed to the lower overall figure.
A new hire freeze will be implemented for the upcoming year as a cost-saving measure, Mason said.
However, county and state-supported employees will receive at least a 2.7% salary increase. Depending upon the final state budget, that amount could be amended later to keep pay raises similar between these positions.
Property reassessments, required by the state and county code to keep property values at fair market levels for tax purposes, played a role in affecting tax rates for the 2026 calendar year.
“We don’t choose to do it,” said Mason. “We have to do it.”
Other budget details
Although county property owners will have a 2026 calendar year tax hike, resulting in a $13 increase per $100,000 of a property’s tax assessed value, tax rates will be lower than the previous calendar year.
Due to an overall 11.7% increase in reassessment values, the county was required to calculate a “lowered tax rate”. This is the rate that would yield the same tax levy as the previous year.
The 2026 calendar tax rate of $0.486 is below last year’s rate of
$0.534. However, since that exceeds the lowered tax rate, it technically represents an increase and must be advertised as such.
Chincoteague’s tax rates are lower because it was exempt from the calendar year 2025 hike that went toward the EMS fund imbalance.
The island has its own EMS services. Its residents will be subject to the
increase in the 2026 calendar year.
Mason said property tax rates in the county are lower than those in neighboring Northampton County and Worcester County in Maryland to the north.
He said that 55% of county revenues come from property taxes, followed by state money.
The majority of county revenues go to its schools, then to public safety.