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WILLIAMSBURG PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS PRESENTED

Williamsburg’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget saw further reductions.
The initial proposal of $112.3 million was already reduced by $1.9 million.
An additional $1.4 million has now been cut, bringing the proposed budget to $103.3 million.
Specific cuts include police vehicle purchases, police station demo restructuring, postponing tennis court restoration, and reducing WATA contribution.
Admissions tax exemptions were also decreased by $257,000.
Discussions about a new library noted it is in the capital plan but not yet a final commitment.
The Mayor highlighted that the library decision depends on future input and county plans.
Proposed revenue measures include a water rate adjustment, 1.5% meal tax increase, 2% lodging tax increase, and 10% admissions tax.
No increase in property taxes is planned.
Admissions tax exemptions apply to William & Mary and small charitable events.
A dealer discount is included for businesses collecting meal, lodging, and admissions taxes.
The final public comment and vote are scheduled for the May 8 City Council meeting.

Source:

Williamsburg City Manager Presents Further Cuts to Proposed Budget At Work Session

YMCA PARTNERS WITH BUSCH GARDENS FOR DROWNING PREVENTION

The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas announced a partnership with Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA.
Busch Gardens and Water Country USA will be the signature drowning prevention sponsor for the YMCA.
The partnership aims to enhance water safety education and provide resources to prevent drowning.
Busch Gardens will support the YMCA’s free Second Grade Learn to Swim program in 11 school systems.
Children who complete the program this year will receive a free single-day park ticket for 2025.
Water safety tips will be displayed throughout Water Country USA for the current season.
Drowning is a leading cause of death for children aged 1-14 in the US.
The support from Busch Gardens and Water Country USA will significantly aid the YMCA’s water safety efforts.

Source:

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas Announces Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Water Country USA as Signature Drowning Prevention Sponsor

Third spaces, places other than home or work, are increasingly popular in Williamsburg as people seek community and belonging following increased digital isolation and the COVID-19 pandemic. Krystal Webel found improved mental health and friends at Burn Boot Camp. Elle Hardie connected with others at the James City County Recreation Center’s senior lounge after relocating. The Williamsburg Regional Library serves as a welcoming, free third space offering various activities. Other businesses like bookstores, coffee shops, and breweries are becoming hubs for social interaction, offering activities like trivia and paint nights. These tangible spaces help combat loneliness and foster connections vital for mental well-being, as confirmed by residents and local business operators.

Williamsburg City Manager Andrew Trivette reduced the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget by $9 million to $103.33 million.
The revised budget includes spending cuts for items like a children’s park, African American Heritage Trail art, police vehicles, and a bike trail.
Adjustments feature reducing meals and lodgings tax rates and changing the new admissions tax to include exemptions and a dealer discount.
Additional strategies involve eliminating 34 capital projects, freezing nine vacant positions, and reassigning COVID relief and reserve funds.
Residents voiced concerns about the proposed $26 million new downtown library project during a public discussion.
City council members noted issues with the current library building, including a leaking basement and non-ADA compliant theater.
The Williamsburg City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the revised budget plan on Thursday.

Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools appointed Daniel Keever as division superintendent effective June 1. Keever has served as interim superintendent since former superintendent Olwen Herron retired Jan. 31. He was named after a nationwide search. Keever’s three-year term runs through June 30, 2028.

A rest area on I-64 eastbound in New Kent was voted the best public restroom in Virginia and 10th best in the U.S. by a recent survey of 3,017 drivers conducted by American River Wellness.

Jamestown High grad Andrew Colley became the first Hampton Roads runner to complete a marathon in under 2 hours and 10 minutes. He ran a personal best time of 2:09:46 at the Prague International Marathon on May 4. Colley finished in fifth place overall at the event in the Czech Republic.

William & Mary senior Kimberly Austin’s award-winning essay in the Monitor journal examines China’s Maritime Silk Road and the String of Pearls theory. Her essay discusses China’s expansion through strategic ports in the Indian Ocean region, which China describes as commercial relationships. However, military strategists and experts, according to Austin’s work, view these ports as a potential security threat to the US and allies due to their possible use for power projection and military objectives. Frank Shatz’s article profiles Austin and her essay, highlighting her international relations studies, internships, and future plans to pursue international law.

A Kansas-based company, Diode Ventures, is proposing to build a large data center called Roxbury Technology Park on 515 acres in northwest Charles City County.
The county planning commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider a rezoning request for the project on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the government administration building.
If approved, the data center could generate 800-1,200 construction jobs and 50-100 permanent jobs, providing significant tax revenue for the county.
Residents have raised concerns about potential impacts including water use, noise, traffic, and consistency with land use.
County staff are recommending approval of the project, which would then go to the Board of Supervisors for a final vote.

Farmers market season is underway in the Williamsburg area and surrounding communities, with many markets now open or starting this month for their 2025 seasons.
The Williamsburg Farmers Market is open Saturdays through December 20 from 8 a.m. to noon at 345 Duke of Gloucester St. in Colonial Williamsburg.
West Point Farmers Market opens its 26th season on May 17 and will be open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through September 6 at the Pavilion at Riverwalk Park, featuring its largest vendor list yet and family activities.
Yorktown Market Days hosts themed events like a Community Market and runs Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through September 27 at Riverwalk Landing, with select markets extending into December.
The Toano Open Air Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon through December on the Village Green at 7891 Richmond Road, serving as a community gathering spot and growing since its 2020 start.
The Gloucester Farmers Market operates 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month from May through October at Ware Episcopal Church, featuring food trucks and a playground.
Other local markets include the King William County Farmers Market on the second and fourth Fridays through October 17 at King William High School, the Mathews Farmers Market on Saturdays through October on the Historic Courthouse Green, and the New Kent Farmers Market on Saturdays through August at the New Kent Farmers Market Pavilion.
Several pick-your-own strawberry farms are also open, including MillFarm Christmas Trees & Berry Farm in James City County, Browder’s Fresh Pickins in Smithfield, Evans Farms in Suffolk, Lilley Farms in Chesapeake, and Salem Berry Farm in Virginia Beach.