|
|
|
| Tue, Dec. 01 - - Mobile - RSS | |
|
|
Westmoreland taxes could soar RISING NUMBERS
Changes in school funding formula, rising costs could push Westmoreland real-estate taxes up 40 percent next year
Date published: 1/31/2008
BY FRANK DELANO Westmoreland County could be facing its biggest tax increase in history. According to County Administrator Norm Risavi, the real-estate tax rate could jump 40 percent next year as the county copes with "a perfect storm" of decreased state funding for education and rising costs of other government services. According to state figures, county property values and incomes have risen dramatically in the past two years. As a result, the state will require the county to pay $1.7 million more in local funds for education next year. Risavi and School Superintendent Elaine Fogliani presented preliminary budget numbers Tuesday night at a joint meeting of county supervisors and School Board members. Fogliani said she also hopes the county will fund 5 percent salary increases and other programs that would add an additional $500,000 to next year's school budget. If approved, local funding for basic education next year could jump almost $2.2 million to about $7.6 million. An increase of that amount would require adding 13 cents to the county's present real-estate tax rate of 44 cents per $100 of assessed value, Risavi said. After the meeting, Risavi said it was also conceivable that the costs of other county agencies and operations could increase $1 million next year. The county's current budget is $19.1 million. To meet an extra $1 million in county expenses, real-estate taxes would have to rise almost another 5 cents. The present tax rate is the lowest in recent county history, Risavi said. If it jumps 18 cents, the increase would amount to 41 percent. "The bottom line is, whether we like it or not, we've got to pay it," said Supervisor Larry Roberson. County tax rates ranged between 61 and 66 cents between 1997 and 2006. In 1977, the rate was $2.20. Other than real-estate taxes, the county has few options to increase revenues. Raising county license fees for vehicles to the maximum allowed by state law would yield less than $200,000 in new income, Risavi said.
Read more stories about Westmoreland Date published: 1/31/2008
Tax Increases
(posted by
CBVAUSA
, Jan. 31, 2008 1:04 am)
Housing prices in Westmoreland peaked in the summer of 2005 & all county properties were reassessed in 2006 at "fair market value". How can it be that county real estate values have jumped 40% or more in the last two years? There hasn't been that much building going on; or Mr. Risavi would be replacing the threeopenings in the zoning department. Hmmm...makes you wonder exactly what is going on, both locally and in the Governor's office, doesn't it? Is there any way to question Kaine's figures or ask why?
|
 |
|||
|
|||
