Its local budget season in West Virginia. The County Commission as well as the School Board and the five municipalities in Jefferson County all finalize their budgets this month and submit them to the state.
In this issue, we highlight early takeaways from the County’s revenue and expense projections for the next fiscal year (below). We’ve submitted a series of questions to county officials and are awaiting responses; once we receive them, we plan to publish a deeper analysis of the County budget. We’ll also be taking a look at city and town budgets in the coming weeks.
One question we’re particularly interested in is how county revenues are split between residential and commercial property taxes. A new solar project about to begin construction will likely boost commercial tax revenues, but several other proposed projects now appear to be off the table (story below).
— Steve Pearson
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Solar Project In Rippon To Begin Construction Soon
Torch Clean Energy expects to begin construction on its Rippon solar energy project in the next few weeks. The first phase of the project will include solar panels and a new substation to be constructed on 100 acres just east of the new Route 340 bypass that will loop around the village of Rippon.
The second phase of the project will be constructed on two separate locations — a 140 acre site located to the southeast of the Cloverdale Estates subdivision along Roper North Fork Road and a 600 acre site located southeast of Myerstown Road (between Kabletown Road and the Shenandoah River). Torch representative Brian Kusiak said the original plans for the project included two other parcels of land near Kabletown as an alternate site for the substation, but those properties are no longer included in the project.
According to the plans approved by Jefferson County, the company will be mounting the solar panels on a “terrain tracking” system of steel posts that are mechanically pounded into the ground. Kusiak said the company used a similar system for the Bartonsville solar project it recently constructed near Stephens City in Frederick County, Virginia. The permit indicates the company will source its panels from SilfabSolar, which manufactures its products in Washington, South Carolina, and Toronto.
Kusiak said that a project of this size typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete construction. The Rippon project will be the second industrial-scale solar project to be constructed in Jefferson County. Two projects, Wild Hill and Flowing Springs, were proposed and have been withdrawn and the Franklintown Farms project has not yet progressed beyond the concept plan stage.
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Jefferson County Commission Sets Budget For Next Year
County revenues are projected to rise in FY 2027, driven largely by growth in housing, but expenses continue to outpace revenues.
The Jefferson County Commission met on March 20 to review and approve a budget for fiscal year 2027 (FY 2027), which begins on July 1.
A Positive Revenue Picture
The numbers presented during the meeting show that County’s operating revenues (taxes and fees collected) are projected to be $39 million for FY 2027, an increase of roughly $4.6 million compared to the current fiscal year.
Revenue increases of note:
$2,000,000 increase in property transfer taxes. The County collects a tax on property sales and will benefit from the 1,000 to 1,500 new homes projected to be sold next year.
$1,152,000 increase in general property taxes. This is mostly from new homes added to the tax base (increases from existing property are capped at 1 percent per year).
$855,000 increase from public utilities. The source of these revenues was not explained in the March 20 budget documents.
$662,000 increase in video lottery receipts. The County receives a percentage of the income from table games.
$400,000 increase in building permit fees. The County collects a fee for all new construction permits.
Revenue decreases of note:
$581,000 decrease in ambulance fee billings. The County recently completed a cleanup of billing records and removed a significant number of erroneous accounts.
$346,000 decrease in 911 fees. The reason for this decrease was not explained in the March 20 budget documents.
$125,000 decrease in gas/oil severance tax. The County receives a percentage of this tax from the state; the amount depends on statewide production of these fuels.
Expenses Are More Complicated
Year-to-year comparisons on the expense side are less clear, as the Commission has approved six budget revisions so far this year. The chart above indicates that current expenses continue to exceed current revenue, even with the revenue increases noted above. The top five expense categories account for roughly two-thirds of the County’s operating budget:
$7.7 million for law enforcement, jail services, and day report expenses. The County expects significant increases in jail fees next year.
$6.7 million for ambulance services, an increase of $292,000 from the prior year.
$3.4 million for other emergency services (911 center, fire department support, homeland security).
$3.7 million for insurance.
$3.3 million for building and vehicle maintenance.
The chart below shows a breakdown of expenses across all county functions. The Commission also approved a 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and a 5% merit increase pool for county employees for next year, totaling $1.3 million (not included in the chart below).
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County Clerk’s Office Moves To New Building — As of Monday, March 30, the Jefferson County Clerk’s office will be located at the new county government center at 393 North Lawrence Street in Charles Town. The County Administrator’s office has also moved from Hunter House (image above) to the new location and the County Planning, Zoning and Engineering department is expected to be moving next month.
Nominations encouraged for 2026 Women of Distinction — Girl Scout Council of Nation’s Capital is now accepting nominations from individuals, community leaders, business owners, corporations, and the government sector for the 2026 Women of Distinction. The council will recognize women from Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties whose outstanding work distinguishes them as excellent leaders and role models for girls. The application can be downloaded here. For more information or questions, contact Angelina Gray at gstroop15099@gmail.com
Volunteers needed to serve on boards & commissions — Jefferson County has many opportunities for residents to serve on boards, commissions and committees. The County Commission is currently seeking applicants for the positions below (click on the links for additional information):
To apply, email a letter of interest and a resume (or statement of qualifications) to boards@jeffcowv.gov. For more information call the Commission office at 304-728-3284.
The Town Run Theater Company will present Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” at the Shepherdstown Opera House on April 10/11/12 and April 17/18/19. Details and advance ticket purchase at OperaHouseLive.com.
Arts, Culture & Community Events
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Silent Book Club — Quiet group reading session where participants bring their own books and read independently in a shared space. Four Seasons Books, 114 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Mar 27, 6 - 7 pm. Free. Info…
Song Sung Blue — 2026 Oscar-nominated film with 100% Rotten Tomato rating showcasing the music of Neil Diamond. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Mar 27, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Symphonic Band Concert — Concert performance by the Shepherd University Symphonic Band. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Friday, Mar 27, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Women of a Certain Age — Comedy play exploring friendship and midlife experiences presented by the Old Opera House Theatre Company. Old Opera House, 204 North George St, Charles Town. Friday, Mar 27–Sunday, Mar 29, multiple times. $ Tickets & Info…
Kings, Queens and Things, Oh My! — For ages 18+ only, live drag and burlesque performance event presented by Roving Peregrine Theater Company. Black Box Arts Center, 113 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Mar 27, 8 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Pancake Breakfast — Community breakfast event featuring pancakes and morning fare. Bolivar UMC, 1215 Washington St, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, Mar 28, 7 - noon. $ Tickets & Info…
Trash Cleanup in Bolivar — Volunteer cleanup event to help remove litter and improve the local environment organized by Trail & Town Alliance of Harpers Ferry & Bolivar. Meetup at Visitor Center, 37 Washington St, Bolivar. Saturday, Mar 28, 10 am. Free. Info…
Easter Egg Hunt — Community Easter egg hunt for children and families. McMurran Hall, 102 North King St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Mar 28, 10:00 am (egg hunt starts at 10:15 am). Free. Info…
Spring Celebration — Seasonal event featuring demonstrations and activities at a rural heritage museum. Washington County Rural Heritage Museum, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD. Saturday, Mar 28, 10 - 4 pm. Free. Info…
CASA: Puzzle Competition Fundraiser — Compete to finish jigsaw puzzles the fastest in this first-ever event benefiting CASA of the Eastern Panhandle. Charles Washington Hall, 100 West Washington St, Charles Town. Saturday, Mar 28, Doors open at 1 pm for two-person teams, 3:30 pm for four-person teams. $ Tickets & Info…
Grammer Isn't So Grimm — Interactive fairy tale-themed grammar event presented by Shepherd University’s English & Modern Languages program. Knutti Hall lawn, 102 East High St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Mar 28, 1 pm. Ages K–adult. Free. Info…
Doggy Easter Egg Hunt — Easter egg hunt designed for dogs and their owners. National Humane Education Society, 3731 Berryville Pike, Charles Town. Saturday, Mar 28, 1 - 2 pm. Pre-registration recommended. $ Tickets & Info…
Guitar Mania presented by Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra — Concert featuring guitar-focused repertoire performed by the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra. Presbyterian Church, 100 West Washington St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Mar 28, 7:30 pm and Sunday, Mar 29, 3 pm.. $ Tickets & Info…
Live Music: X of the Potomac w/ Mister Mae — Americana and roots rock performed by popular local performers. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Mar 28, 7 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Shepherdstown Farmers Market: Opening Day — Opening day of the seasonal farmers market featuring local vendors and producers. Behind the Market House, 100 South King St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Mar 29, 9 - 1 pm. Free. Info…
Breakfast & Easter Egg Hunt — Community breakfast followed by an Easter egg hunt for families. Mountain Lake Club, 1329 Lakeside Dr, Harpers Ferry. Sunday, Mar 29, 10 am (egg hunt begins at noon). Info…
Easter Egg Hunt — Community Easter egg hunt event for children and families. MCC Library, 58 Mission Rd, Harpers Ferry. Sunday, Mar 29, 1 - 3 pm. Free. Info…
The Life of Pi — The popular story told in a London stage production captured on film by the UK’s National Theatre Live. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Mar 29, 3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Fort Collier Civil War Center Annual Meeting — Annual meeting will be followed by food and activities for Fort Collier Civil War Center members. Fort Collier, 922 Martinsburg Pike, Winchester, VA. Monday, Mar 30, 4 pm. $ Info…
Art Exhibit: The Audacity of the Mundane — Photography by Charlee Brodsky. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Exhibit runs until Mar 31. Free. Info…
St. Isidore Market — Community market offering locally produced food and goods. St. James Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Thursdays, 5:00 - 6:30 pm. Free. Info…
Spotlight — Future Leaders Organize Improvement Project
Leadership Jefferson’s 2026 class is organizing the “Roots of Hope” project to bring new life to Jefferson County's James Hite Park. This team effort will plant trees to enhance the shared green spaces. The project is being organized in partnership with the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson County Parks & Recreation Commission, and CASA of the Eastern Panhandle.
The project organizers are seeking donations to help offset the costs of materials. Sponsor opportunities include:
$2,000 — a permanent bench with name plaque
$1,000 — recognition on sponsorship plaque at the park
$500 — name featured on project tshirts
Click here for more information and online donation form.
Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free.
