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Stafford County's fiscal 2011 budget doesn't require a real estate tax increase, though rates will increase because of declining property values Date published: 3/3/2010
BY JONAS BEALS
Stafford County could cut $6 million in expenditures in the next fiscal year to meet a corresponding drop in revenue. Most of the savings would come from ongoing efficiency efforts, but County Administrator Anthony Romanello's proposed budget --which doesn't require a general tax increase--calls for eliminating nine full-time positions to help cover the shortfall. County schools, the Sheriff's Office and Fire and Rescue would receive the same local funding they did in the current fiscal year. However, the budget does not include $3.6 million in debt service savings that the School Board requested to be included in the county budget. Stafford school officials have had to cut spending significantly to offset a loss of state money. Romanello presented the fiscal 2011 budget to the Board of Supervisors yesterday. It continued the trend of spending cuts and layoffs that has prevailed over the past two and a half years in Stafford. The presentation was the first step in the budget process, with many changes sure to come before the final financial plan is adopted in April. It is the first time since 1965 that the county has proposed two consecutive annual budgets with reduced expenditures. "We've been trying to keep our heads above water," Romanello said of the difficult financial situation. "This hasn't been one storm, but a new climate. We need to adjust to the new normal." Balancing his proposed budget would require an equalized real estate tax rate of $1.14 per $100 of assessed value, up from 84 cents in the current fiscal year. The new rate compensates for a sharp drop in real estate values and means the average homeowner would expect to pay the same amount in real estate taxes as they did last year, although some homeowners would see higher or lower bills. According to figures provided by Commissioner of the Revenue Scott Mayausky, 50 percent of Stafford homeowners will receive a lower real estate tax bill than last year. About 35 percent will see an increase of more than $100. Commercial property owners could generally see their bills increase because the value of their property didn't drop like residential real estate values.
Read more stories about Stafford Date published: 3/3/2010
Since 11/2007 Stafford county has cut $11.6M from the budget and trimmed 82 positions + 9 more proposed for FY11. In 2006-7 schools cut 91 positions with $5M-$10M in additional cuts yet to come for FY11. The Counties $9.1M and the schools $14.3M in stimulus funds runs out in FY11. That leaves a $23.4M funding cliff for FY12. Has anyone in "power" given any thought to that. This year is a punch in the nose. Next year is a knockout. Does anyone expect county revenue to grow $23.4M next year !!!
I don't know about you, but I figured out my taxes and Stafford is getting almost $500 more from me. My assessment is not even right. It is to high which is why I am fighting it. I incourage others to do the same. The Stafford assessments are inflated to keep thier county pockets full. Just look at sales in your neighborhood and you will see what I mean.
35000 households, you get over $6000 per household. You
can say a couple of things here. First does your household
pay 6K in taxes a year? If you don't, then where do you
think the rest of it comes from? And second, in your 5 and
20 year plants - if you assume that new growth will also pay
6K per household then why would you want to increase the
per household tax even higher?
Why do you keep advocating higher taxes Dean? How
much tax is enough for each household?
The budget proposal put forth by Mr Romanello is very good but I believe somewhat optimistic. I'm certain there are more cuts coming from Richmond. So TS what are you going to propose to cut? Where is the 5 and 20 year strategic plan (vision) that includes the projected revenue from your no-BPOL business growth spurt. As the population nearly doubles in 20 years where is the revenue for roads, CIP, Schools, police, fire, ems, parks. Do you have any plans TS or can we keep cutting and pay for those too?
Dr. D, you continue to advocate more local government spending on the backs of taxpayers. I'm glad we have a majority on the Board that is willing to "go lean." Now is not the time to continue the spending spree the county has been on for years. Perhaps we can pay for more roads, schools and other county services when the economy is better. Nothing short sighted about showing some fiscal restraint when families are struggling.
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