Gloucester supervisors will start their budget process next week with the initial presentation of the county’s fiscal year 2024 budget and the setting of a public hearing date for the advertised tax rates. The budget is a steering factor for the county and will determine what’s in store for Gloucester in 2023 and beyond.

Board of Supervisors’ chairman Christopher Hutson said the goal for the budget this year will be to minimize the tax impact on county residents while, at the same time, providing the necessary services.

Hutson said the choices the board makes today will be felt for years to come. Each member of the board understands this when casting a vote. Decisions on the budget in terms of what does or does not get funded will have repercussions for years.

Hutson pointed to the 1 percent sales tax that is being used to fund the Gloucester High School renovation. The sales tax will impact the county until the end of its lifespan in 2040.

County Administrator Carol Steel...