I
n Accomack County, a proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 is sparking debate over tax increases. The plan, presented by County Administrator Mike Mason, includes a 10-cent hike on cigarette packs and a 5-cent boost in real estate taxes per $100 of assessed value. While some see the added revenue as necessary to fund vital services like EMS, others worry about the impact on residents with fixed incomes.

    For smokers like Michael Stone, who frequently crosses into Accomack County from Pennsylvania, the price difference is already significant. "Cigarettes are a steal here," he said, noting that prices in Virginia are triple what they are in Maryland. As a manager at Dixieland gas station, Zachary Edwards remains unfazed by the potential tax increase, citing the store's competitive pricing as a draw for customers.

    Homeowners like Rod Woodring understand the necessity of increased taxes but still express frustration. "You're never happy when your taxes go up," he said, acknowledging that the funds will support essential services. Leon Jackson, who splits his time between Accomack County and elsewhere, suggests relying more heavily on cigarette tax revenue to ease the burden on residents with limited budgets.

    County officials will weigh the draft budget during February work sessions before adopting a finalized plan on March 31. The proposed increases aim to generate additional funds for county-wide services, but some residents worry about the impact on their wallets.