The Board of Supervisors today approved an FY 2026 Budget markup that eliminates the previously proposed 1.5-cent real estate tax rate increase and instead reduces the rate by a quarter-cent from the current $1.125 per $100 of assessed value, delivering targeted relief to homeowners while investing in key services and adopting a 4% food and beverage tax to broaden the county’s revenue base. The budget will be formally adopted May 13 and it takes effect July 1. The food and beverage tax will be effective Jan. 1.