Covington City Council Election 2026

Where it standsThe council adopted the fiscal 2026-27 budget in June 2026 with no tax rate increases, using fund balance to cover a shortfall.

What's on the tableThe next council adopts each year's budget and sets tax rates.

• The proposed fiscal 2026-27 budget was $25,783,937, with a shortfall of $1,474,223 to be covered from fund balance. City of Covington · May 12, 2026 ↗
• City Manager Allen Dressler said the city should not make a habit of using fund balance to balance the budget. City of Covington · May 12, 2026 ↗
• No tax rate increases were proposed; the real estate tax rate remains $0.85 per $100. City of Covington · May 20, 2026 ↗
• The council adopted the fiscal 2026-27 budget unanimously. The Recorder · Jun 11, 2026 ↗

Where it standsMonthly residential water and sewer charges each rose $7 under the budget adopted in June 2026.

What's on the tableThe next council sets water and sewer rates in future budgets.

• Residential water rates rose from $29.50 to $36.50 a month and sewer rates from $38.50 to $45.50. The Recorder · Jun 11, 2026 ↗
• A rate study presented in April 2026 projected further increases of $8 in the second year and $4 in later years, subject to future review. City of Covington · Apr 14, 2026 ↗
• The five-year capital plan includes about $9.1 million in water and sewer needs. City of Covington · Apr 14, 2026 ↗
• The city manager said the city is not meeting the required 115 percent revenue requirement under its rate covenant and bond agreements. City of Covington · May 12, 2026 ↗

Where it standsCovington voters decide on Nov. 3 whether to authorize an additional 1 percent sales tax for school construction and renovation.

What's on the tableIf voters approve, the local governing bodies must take further steps to put the tax into effect.

• The tax would raise the local sales and use tax rate from 5.3 percent to 6.3 percent. Alleghany Highlands Public Schools · Sep 28, 2026 ↗
• The council's action placed the question before voters and does not represent a position for or against the tax. Alleghany Highlands Public Schools · Sep 28, 2026 ↗
• Approval by voters would not automatically put the tax into effect. Alleghany Highlands Public Schools · Sep 28, 2026 ↗
• The council considered Resolution R-26-24 asking the Alleghany Circuit Court to place the referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot. City of Covington · Aug 11, 2026 ↗

Where it standsThe council has discussed vacant and blighted properties, including possible registration requirements for vacant buildings.

What's on the tableThe next council decides whether to add rules or spending for vacant and blighted properties.

• In May 2026 the council discussed vacant buildings, possible registration requirements and ways to encourage redevelopment. City of Covington · May 12, 2026 ↗
• The city attorney said the city has a spot blight ordinance and that repair or demolition can require city funds up front. City of Covington · May 12, 2026 ↗
• In February 2026 the council voted to remain in the TAP Land Bank program. City of Covington · Feb 10, 2026 ↗
• Eric Tyree said he would like to identify tax-delinquent properties that could be rehabilitated through the land bank and used for affordable housing. City of Covington · Feb 10, 2026 ↗

Where it standsCandidates at the final chamber forum were asked about jobs, housing and keeping younger residents in the area.

What's on the tableThe next council decides how much the city spends on downtown and business recruitment.

• Olde Town Covington received full accreditation through Virginia Main Street and Main Street America. City of Covington · May 12, 2026 ↗
• Forum questions covered employment, housing and efforts to keep younger residents from leaving the area. The Virginian Review · Oct 9, 2026 ↗