Lynchburg’s budget surplus is surging — so why is the city manager proposing higher taxes and $17M more in spending?

Lynchburg’s Communications and Public Engagement Department is asking for a 58% budget increase, prompting questions about narrative control, priorities, and whether city staff are expanding their influence over public messaging at taxpayer expense.

Lynchburg’s $12.5M library renovation proposal is raising eyebrows as residents focus more on controversial book content and oversight than the building’s design. With concerns about transparency and rising taxes, City Council faces tough decisions ahead of its April 22 public hearing.