|
By Mike Hixenbaugh The Virginian-Pilot May 9, 2012 VIRGINIA BEACH The City Council heard from more than 30 residents Tuesday beforevoting 8-3 to pass a budget that raises the real estate tax rate by6 cents. All but five speakers urged council members not to raise taxes,arguing that homeowners cannot afford to pay a higher rate amidst atenuous economic recovery. Those supporting the mayor's budget proposal and rate increase saidthe city could no longer afford to tap reserves and cut spendingfour years after the housing downturn started pinching municipalbudgets. The debate is sure to be rehashed in advertisements and stumpspeeches over the coming months as Mayor Will Sessoms and twocouncil members who voted in favor of the tax increase vie forre-election this fall. "I think the citizens in Virginia Beach get a pretty good dealfor their money," Sessoms said. "If they don't think theprice of government is fair, I think someone like me will be doneaway with." Rosemary Wilson and Glenn Davis, both facing re-election, said thetax rate adjustment was needed to give teachers modest raises tomatch one-time bonuses they received this year. Most of the residents who spoke during a lengthy public hearingbefore the vote asked the council to support a counterproposal byCouncilmen John Moss and Bill DeSteph. Their budget would have deferred teacher raises and cut millions ofdollars from the city's operating budget to avoid a tax increase. Moss accused council members of ignoring the will of the public andslammed city staff for failing to identify areas to cut spending. He spoke for more than 10 minutes, at one point ripping pages fromthe city manager's budget to make his point. "Raising taxes destroys jobs, destroys families, takes awayhope," Moss said as some residents stood and cheered. Councilman Bob Dyer joined Moss and DeSteph in voting against themayor's plan. The $2 billion budget package designates $387.9 million for theschools operating budget. The additional revenue generated by the 6-cent rate increase -roughly $28.8 million - is tied to state reductions in school androad funding. The rate will automatically be reduced if the GeneralAssembly gives the city more money in future years. Forgoing a tax rate increase would amount to "kicking the candown the road" another year, Davis said. Wilson said the vast majority of homeowners will owe a smaller taxbill than they did two or three years ago, even with the rateelevated to 95 cents per $100 of value. About 61 percent of home-owners will pay more than they did a yearearlier. An owner of a $250,000 home whose property value dropped by thecitywide average of 5.7 percent will owe about $2,240 in taxes withthe rate increase - about $15 more than last year. Mike Hixenbaugh, (757) 222-5117, mike.hixenbaugh@pilotonline.com. The e-commerce company in China offers quality products such as China Disco Laser Lighting , Mini Laser Stage Lighting Manufacturer, and more. For more , please visit Laser Beam Lighting today!
Related Articles -
China Disco Laser Lighting, Mini Laser Stage Lighting Manufacturer,
|
