James City proposed budget seeks 8.2-cent tax hike

County Administrator Bryan Hill unveiled a proposed $187.7 million budget for fiscal year 2016 on Wednesday afternoon, including an 8.2 cent increase in the real estate tax rate. The tax hike would boost the real estate tax from 77 cents per $100 of assessed value to 85.2 cents.

The tax increase, if passed, would be the first for James City County in nearly two decades. But getting that done will be contentious as a trio of conservative groups have already launched a campaign to oppose any tax hikes. Adding to the political pressure is three of the boards seats are up for election this fall.

Starting Thursday evening, the Board of Supervisors will host individual meetings in each of their districts to discuss the budget.

Hill stressed the budget was a "fiscally conservative plan" aimed at addressing long-needed items for the county.

"As your county administrator, I was hired to bring a fresh set of eyes to county operations and to go out into the community to listen to the citizens," Hill wrote in a memo to the Board of Supervisors.

"The Board of Supervisors stressed their desire to move the county forward, maintain our AAA bond rating and our quality community," Hill said.

"In reviewing operations, there is a need to address the inevitable challenges associated with a decreasing water supply, stormwater, schools, economic development and the appearance of the county, which includes aging infrastructure, increased capital maintenance as well as ensuring our attractiveness to numerous tourists."

Without the tax increase, Hill said the budget was otherwise fiscally flat, just $200,000 above the plan approved last year by the board at $178.7 million.

"I have five strategic initiatives, tell me what you would like to do, tell me what you would like not to do," Hill said, referring to the upcoming budget discussions.

Revenue

Read the original here:
James City proposed budget seeks 8.2-cent tax hike