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Stafford supervisors nix proposed tax increase Date published: 4/3/2008
BY KAFIA HOSH
Stafford County residents could see little change in their real-estate tax bills this year, despite a projected budget shortfall. In a 4-3 vote Tuesday night, the Board of Supervisors agreed to advertise a "modified, equalized rate" of 84 cents per $100 of assessed value. If that rate is approved, the average homeowner's real-estate tax bill would rise only $17. The existing rate is 70 cents per $100 of assessed value, but this year's reassessment lowered property values in the county. The county staff proposed a rate of 89.8 cents to help offset a potential $30 million budget shortfall next year. That increase would have increased the average homeowner's tax bill by $206. Spotsylvania County supervisors have advertised a 6-cent real-estate tax increase, to 62 cents. Fredericksburg's proposed budget calls for a 5-cent increase, to 58 cents. The supervisors' decision sends county staff back to work cutting the proposed $578.9 million budget to take into account the lower revenues. Each penny of the tax rate generates about $1.5 million. County Administrator Anthony Romanello urged the board Tuesday night to reconsider the equalized rate, which would leave the county about $9 million in the hole next year. Instead, supervisors asked county staff to find additional cuts--but not to public safety departments or the school system. Board members also discussed giving up pay raises they received Jan. 1. Their annual salaries were increased from $20,500 to $25,000 and the chairman's pay rose from $21,000 to $25,900. Erasing a $9 million deficit would require a 15 percent cut across all non-school and safety county agencies, according to Romanello. It amounts to the salaries of about 180 county employees--"people we would have to send home July 1," he said. "That's dramatic," the administrator added. His proposed 2009 budget does not call for any new positions, but Romanello planned to fill vacancies, except for five openings in Code Administration. "Vacancy savings are one of the few hedges that we have if the economy does turn worse, even more than it currently is," he said. Supervisors encouraged Romanello to keep vacancies unfilled to save money. "I understand it's not new positions, but it is new people," said Rock Hill Supervisor Cord Sterling. Supervisors Paul Milde, George Schwartz and Bob Woodson voted against the 84-cent rate. Woodson said it could have "unintended consequences." "This would adversely affect the amount and level of services the county offers to its constituents," he said. "Is that what we want to do?" Kafia Hosh: 540/735-1977
Date published: 4/3/2008
That's what it is all about, but unless YOU talk to your Supervisor he has no idea what YOU want, just those who funded his campaign want. Again, go to the public hearing next week and let your thoughts be known, or send your Supervisor a note. So, do you really need all of those parks, this year? Do you really need all of those libraries, this year? Let your County Board member know your priorities, or he will surely tell you his.
I studied the School budget and 57% of the more than 700 line items showed a zero increase or a decrease over last year. Our schools are showing fiscal restraint. The 2009 budget share for the schools is down 15% from its funding levels just 3 years ago. That $ is going for other county services but not priorities like deputies and firemen and EMS staff and teachers. Why doesn't Stafford fund the CITIZENS priorities first?
The teachers in Stafford County should have our support and our respect. Our school board has taken many tax cutting measures and the BOS wants them to take more. In my opinion, the BOS is showing the teachers no respect. People who continue to push the chopping block agenda don't seem to know that teachers are forced to pick up the slack. Teachers in Stafford County now have to buy their own vinyl gloves and bandades, not to mention supplies for their students. What is the problem with this BOS?
Good point Camilla. i think the parents want the good schools but with county bueracracy eating up the resources, there is nothing left for services like education for the residents
crying foul. Most people who post on here don't really know details. SCPS isn't going to have teachers to teach soon if they don't get more respect from SC parents/ citizens (esp. since they can't even afford houses here). Maybe all citizens are in the same boat ($ wise) but they need to decide who they want teaching: current teachers or ones who barely speak English (as in NC). 75% of our new teachers are quitting to go elsewhere b/c of lack of respect from the community (in addition to $ issues)
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