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Spotsylvania budget debated at hearing Date published: 3/26/2004
Two hours into a public hearing on Spotsylvania County's proposed budget, speakers supporting the advertised real-estate tax rate of 96 cents and those wanting an equalized rate were evenly split. Those seeking the rate of 96 cents per $100 of assessed value spoke repeatedly of the desire to increase teacher salaries and to make them more competitive with surrounding jurisdictions including all of Northern Virginia. They also told the Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors of their support for the sheriff's request for 20 deputies and funding for the fire and rescue services. A contingent of more than a dozen teachers arrived at last night's meeting at Courtland High School wearing red and each one spoke in support of full funding for the school's budget. Among them was Dana Houck, president of the Spotsylvania Education Association and wife of state Sen. Edd Houck. Dana Houck, a Courtland Elementary teacher, brought a prepared statement with color graphics that showed Spotsylvania teacher salaries lagging behind every jurisdiction to the north including Stafford. "In order to attract and retain the best teachers for our children, we must work to keep teacher salaries competitive," Houck told the supervisors. She also shared that Spotsylvania teachers and the School Board have lobbied legislators for financial support from the state. Sen. Houck was in town Tuesday working to get increased funding in the state's budget that is still at an impasse. Spotsylvania residents currently pay a real-estate tax rate of $1.01 per $100 of assessed value. The county sent homeowners reassessments last month that increased values an average of 36 percent. To keep taxes steady, the new tax rate would have to be set at 85 cents. Earlier this month, the board of supervisors advertised a rate of 96 cents but several supervisors have said they want the rate set at some point lower than that. Funding the entire school budget would require the 96-cent rate. The board plans to finalize the fiscal 2005 budget and the new tax rate on April 13. Last night, green "no tax hike" stickers and pink buttons in support of the public library were being handed out prior to the public hearing.
1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
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