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ristol, Virginia's City Council has made a pivotal decision regarding the city's real estate tax rate for fiscal year 2026. The new rate stands at 93 cents per $100 of assessed value, a notable decrease from last year's rate of $1.17. Yet, this reduction comes with a caveat: rising housing values will likely result in higher tax bills for many property owners.

    At the council meeting, Mayor Becky Nave acknowledged that while they aimed to lower the rate further, budgetary constraints persist. A significant portion – approximately 10% – of the city's overall budget is dedicated to addressing the Bristol landfill issue. This financial burden underscores the ongoing challenges facing the city as it navigates its fiscal responsibilities.