Tax increase favored in Fluvanna; cowd split, but most support supervisors' plan

By: Ted Strong | Daily Progress
Published: April 15, 2010

PALMYRA — Fluvanna County residents were divided Wednesday over a proposal to raise the real estate tax by 12 percent, but the majority of speakers at a public hearing favored the increase.

The county has advertised an increase to 56 cents per $100 assessed value, up from 50 cents.

“I really support the tax increase,” Trish Goodsey said. “I think it is very reasonable and logical. I think we need it for the schools, primarily, because the kids are our future.”

The increase would fund a budget of $61.2 million, down from $67.4 million in the current fiscal year.

But the support for the increase wasn’t unanimous.

“I’m very surprised that you members of the board are placing this tax increase entirely on the homeowners,” said T. Kent Loving, a former commissioner of revenue for the county.

Resident Bryan Thomas said the Board of Supervisors shouldn’t enact the increase in the midst of a recession.

“How can we say you’re now expected to pay 12 percent more on your property tax in order to support the spending and the debt services that have been built up by the county?” he asked.

A few areas saw added spending in the proposed budget, the largest being payments on debt the county has already taken on for building projects including a new high school.

The schools are looking at a budget of $34.9 million, down from $38.4 million in the current year, which reflects a cut in state funding and an expected cut in county funding.

Many of those who spoke in favor of the increase indicated some connection to the school system.

“I want to see the county continue to move forward and continue to be the wonderful place to live in that it is,” said Christina Harlowe-Garrett, a schools employee who spoke in favor the increase.

One program that drew a lot of attention is the county dump. Technically a convenience center, it allows residents to drop off residential refuse.

The facility is costing the county money, and officials are looking at ways to make it profitable — possibly through increased costs or fewer hours — or closing it.

Claudia Goin recounted her time spent in another county that didn’t have a convenience center.

“The trash put on farms was terrible,” she said. “I do not want to see that happen in Fluvanna.”

The supervisors are expected to vote on the budget Wednesday.