Despite a funding shortfall, Caroline County residents won't be paying more in local taxes this year.
The Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday night to keep the rates for real estate and personal property taxes the same as this fiscal year.
Raising the tax rate could help close the funding gap, but supervisors felt that the citizens of Caroline County are hurting enough economically right now and can't afford increased taxes, said County Administrator Percy Ashcraft.
The real estate tax rate will remain 53 cents per $100 of assessed value. The personal property tax will remain $6.25 per $100 of assessed value, the same as it has been since 1991, according to Commissioner of Revenue Sharon Carter.
The personal property tax relief percentage for this calendar year is 43 percent, which the state would reimburse on all qualifying vehicles. The taxpayer would pay the remaining 57 percent.
In closed session, the supervisors eliminated the Office of Public Information and turned the responsibility of that department to the Economic Development office. That resulted in the layoff of one full-time county employee effective March 31, Ashcraft said.
The board also:
Approved a payment reimbursement program for the 275 county residents who were overcharged ambulance fees through the county's Fee for Service Program.
Recognized and read a resolution declaring March 30 Vietnam Veterans Day in Caroline County.
Authorized the county administrator to enter into a lease agreement with the county museum committee to take over the historic jail in Bowling Green.
Deferred action on a recommendation to reduce hours at the solid waste convenience sites to save $95,000 a year.
Portsia Smith: 540/374-5419
Email: psmith@fredericksburg.com