Local Supervisors Told to Cut Spending, Leave Tax ... - Crozet Gazette

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page 8 s APRIL 2009 Crozet gazette Budget—continued from page 1 Supervisors Ann Mallek and Sally Thomas challenged that point. Local government in Augusta is one-third the size of local government in Albemarle, he said, and Augusta pays its employees less. Speakers generally opposed the idea of a rainy day fund. Thomas was inclined to favor it because she believes current revenue predictions will turn out to be too high and the county will end up in the red. Mallek said she had got the message that now is not the time build up a reserve fund. “Surely the government could cut back,” said another citizen. “When I heard that during a crisis the county was talking about raising taxes, I thought you were out of your mind.” There will be no pay increase for county employees this year, Thomas noted, and 57 vacant positions are not being filled. Citizens also challenged the revenue sharing agreement with the City of Charlottesville. “It’s still a good asked the city to be let out of it.” But Charlottesville officials, for obvious reasons—they will get $18 million from the deal this year— have no interest in talking about changing it, she said. The deal was struck in 1982 when the county feared the city was about to annex valuable commercial property along Rt. 29 north. A year later, the state imposed a moratorium on annexation that remains in effect. Albemarle is the only county in Virginia that makes payments to a city. “I hope we can develop a better relationship with the city and do more regional projects,” said Mallek, suggesting that then county taxpayers would get more benefit from the money they give to Charlottesville. Jo Ann Perkins, wife of late supervisor Walter Perkins, said, “Cut back on consultant fees. We hire people for those jobs already. Please look at that.” Thomas said sales tax revenue to the county could go up when a new GPS system for locating the point bargain,” responded Thomas. “We of sale is implemented. The implication is that under the current system some sales may have been wrongly regarded as having occurred in the city. Pam Carmagnola said she was willing to pay higher taxes for schools. She said she was alarmed at talk about no teacher raises or the possibility of eliminating school nurses. At a meeting the next night at Murray Elementary School attended by 18 people, including school board members Diantha McKeel and Jon Stokes, Albemarle Truth in Taxation Alliance chairman Keith Drake (who videotaped the meeting, as well as a later one Mallek held at the White Hall Community Center) challenged school expenses, especially in the central office. Thomas replied that, “We are cutting down on everything we do. Mostly cutting in the planning and zoning departments. We made a major mistake when we decided what the budget would be because you [citizens] think we are adding. We are trying not to fire people. But businesses are firing people and they won’t take us seriously until we fire people.” “Taxes have been raised more than double and that can’t be sustained and shouldn’t have been done in the first place,” said one speaker. “A lot of people have been run out of the county by taxes.” When he asked people there who opposed a tax increase to stand, 10 stood up. Thomas said she heard from other people who are willing to pay more. “You’re sitting in a county with a low tax rate. We have efficient government and an efficient tax rate. A lot of people care about the schools, music programs, teacher compensation, JAUNT.” Drake noted that the commercial real estate tax rate had been raised 9.7 percent and that cost was going to be passed on to consumers. A resident of the southern part of the district said that southern Albemarle residents feel neglected and that they pay higher taxes only to watch fire and rescue services be improved in northern areas. “Supervisors seem to concentrate on the urban ring,” he said, “and neglect the rural areas. But still we pay to support that. We don’t want more service, but we don’t want to pay more for what we have.” When the revenue-sharing agreement was condemned again, Thomas predicted that breaking it would probably lead to the city reverting to town status, thus becoming part of the county. She maintained that the county can’t get out of the deal. Drake noted that the deal’s article 5 calls for shared services and said the spirit of that section is not being upheld. Mallek faced about 45 constituents at her meeting in White Hall on the 17th. A painted sheet of plywood outside the Community Hall read: “Mallek Taxes 6:30.” Challenged on the revenue-sharing agreement, Mallek said, “If we take it to court we will surely lose.” “Keep pressure on the city until this is rectified,” she was advised. The deal views the county as receiving the full market value of all property and does not take into account the reduction from the land use program, she was reminded. “Do we get any benefit from the deal?” she was asked. “Having a healthy community,” Mallek answered. Even though the deal was ratified Lauren W Morris, Agent 1207 B Crozet Avenue Crozet, VA 22932 Bus: 434-823-1800 lauren.morris.mmgd@statefarm.com Lauren W Morris, Agent 1207 B Crozet Avenue Crozet, VA 22932 Bus: 434-823-1800 lauren.morris.mmgd@statefarm.com Lauren W Morris, Agent 1207 B Crozet Avenue Crozet, VA 22932 Bus: 434-823-1800 lauren.morris.mmgd@statefarm.com
Crozet gazette APRIL 2009 s page 9 by county voters in a referendum, one citizen said, “It was a contract written under duress because the city was threatening annexation.” “We need to play hardball,” said another. Ray Jones, the county’s director of finance until he retired in 1990, said, “We’ve been victims of our own success. We’ve allowed things to be taxed that shouldn’t be.” He advised Mallek to have the board inform the city that the county is going to terminate the deal. That got a loud round of applause. “I’d love to see us go back under general law. The city would have to prove ‘necessity’ in order to annex, which is unlikely. Take away $18 million and they’ll talk to you.” The deal provides about 10 percent of the city’s budget, he noted. “The county should be able to live on 71 cents and still do the things you want. Going line-by-line, I guarantee I can get millions out of that budget. Learn to say no,” Jones said. Cliff Fox noted that the county’s new economic development policy calls the University of Virginia and Security. Independence. Peace Of Mind. Trust the nation’s leading originator of reverse mortgages to give you a home-financing solution that continues to offer every advantage possible. AS50737 Your home is more than an address on the street where you live. It is likely the most important investment you made. And a reverse mortgage 1 from Wells Fargo Home Mortgage can help you capitalize on the equity you’ve built in your home to secure financial independence and peace of mind. • Receive tax-free funds 2 to use however you choose • Home title stays in your name • You receive payments instead of making them • There are no income, asset, employment or credit requirements 3 Call a Wells Fargo reverse mortgage consultant today. John O’Connor 5384 Park Road Crozet, VA 22932 866-201-4897 Phone 434-249-4080 Mobile 866-261-2065 Fax john.s.oconnor@wellsfargo.com the National Ground Intelligence Center the “primary economies” of the area, but neither of them pays taxes. “The county is stuck in a paradigm. Because they don’t have an industrial base, they look to land [for taxes]. We need to promote business development. The other problem is that county land use policy promoted a shift away from light industrial uses to regional shopping centers. Those don’t have good jobs.” Joe Jones objected to the policy of assigning every parcel in the county a building site value, even though many parcels have none, such as those in mountain areas, thus falsely inflating the tax value of the land. Mary Ford said, “The county is trying to pacify us” with the decision to raise rates but not enough to create a reserve fund. “Assessments will go back up and then that higher tax rate will be there and it will be another increase.” “Is the middle class going to be allowed to live in Albemarle?” asked Keith Ford. “We have a terrible mess because we didn’t manage the money 1. Must be at least 62 years of age or older. 2. Consult a tax advisor. 3. Reverse mortgage borrowers are required to obtain an eligibility certificate by receiving counseling sessions with a HUD-approved agency. Family members are also strongly encouraged to participate in these informative sessions. Call for more detailed program information. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2009 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All Rights Reserved. 100977 03/09 we had. Nobody manages what we’ve got. They just ask for more.” That brought loud sustained applause. “Income from taxes has probably tripled in recent years and we just spent it. People who have been here for 200 years are being forced off their land.” “It’s loud and clear that you don’t The King is Coming! Fabulous Flavio A World Premiere Musical presented by Piedmont Virginia Community College Theatre April 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11 at 7:30 p.m. want taxes raised,” Mallek responded. “We’re not here to negotiate with you about whether 74 cents is a good compromise,” said Sarah Henley. “Your constituents are saying cut spending and do not raise taxes. We don’t want it raised above 71 cents.” Francis Named New Principal at WAHS David Francis was appointed principal of Western Albemarle High School March 27. He has been serving as the school’s interim principal this year and was a part-time assistant principal at the school since 2004. His administrative experience includes seven years as principal of Nelson County High, four years as principal of Bluestone High in Mecklenburg County, seven years as principal of Goochland County High, and four years as assistant principal of Madison County High School. He also has eleven years of classroom teaching experience as a social studies teacher. Francis holds Dave Francis a bachelor’s degree in history from West Virginia University, a Master’s of Education in secondary education from Madison College and an Education Specialist degree in administration and supervision from the University of Virginia. He was selected from a pool of 30 internal and external candidates. “It’s been a wonderful experience these five years [at Western],” Francis said. “I’m honored to be asked to continue in this role. This is a wonderful school with a great faculty and great parents. I mean it sincerely. It’s phenomenal.” The faculty stood and applauded when his appointment was announced at a morning meeting. “I was quite touched,” said Francis. “They’ve been very supportive all year long.” April 4 & 11 at 2:30 p.m. V. Earl Dickinson Building, Main Stage Theatre Tickets: $10 Adults $8 Students/Seniors Tickets are available now at Sidetracks, Plan 9 Music and the PVCC Cashier’s Office during normal business hours. Or purchase tickets in advance with VISA/MC by calling the PVCC Box Office at 434.961.5376 Tickets are also available at the PVCC Box Office two hours before each show. Don’t miss out. Get your tickets, today!
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Local Supervisors Told to Cut Spending, Leave Tax ... - Crozet Gazette

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