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County looks into two-cent tax increase
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 11:00 AM EST
It's been four years since the mention of a possible two-cent real estate tax increase was put on the table for the Campbell County Board of Supervisors to evaluate. Now, with capital project recommendations, that increase may be a reality.
The plans for these long-term capital improvement projects have been discussed for seven years.
"About four years ago, it was understood that there would have to be an increase in revenue to be able to complete these projects," Campbell County Administrator David Laurrell said.
This possible increase in the real estate tax has been included in the budget plans for the past four years. The county's current rate is 43 cents per $100 of assessed value.
"The board wanted to wait so this would have the least impact possible on our taxpayers," said Laurrell.
It would be for debt service on projects already underway, including the renovations and construction to Concord Elementary School and the installation of the Rustburg/Concord waterline. It would also help pay for the proposed renovations to the county complex and courthouse, which have not been approved by the board at this time.
If the project is approved for renovations to the courthouse, the building will be 20 years old by the time work is completed.
"The courthouse has issues in terms of space, sound and mechanics," Laurrell said. "We would be looking at long-term maintenance that would be less expensive. Right now, they have to climb into the ceiling for servicing."
"The increase will be included in our budget recommendation to the board this year," Laurrell said. "They may choose to not approve the other projects or try to reduce expenditures elsewhere."
County officials have already been looking at this year's budget. Supervisors will consider the capital improvement project when they meet March 3.
"Hopefully, the board will tentatively adopt the project," said Laurrell.
The budget committee will begin its internal reviews on March 10-11.
"We will look at each department individually and look at their expenditures and how they tie into the board's priorities and initiatives' plan," said Laurrell.
The board set priorities and initiatives three years in advance. They started reviewing those initiatives in December.
The first budget workshop will be held April 1.
"Both budgets will be presented to the board on April 7," said Laurrell.
More time will be allotted to the board to evaluate the budget after the April 21 regularly scheduled meeting, if needed. County officials will also ask for permission to advertise for a public hearing on the budget, which will be held on May 5.
"We will make any changes necessary based on the outcome of the General Assembly's session regarding state revenues."
The county does not foresee any surprising obstacles in the way of the budget.
"The board does such a great job with planning. Most of the issues we will be dealing with have been on the horizon for quite some time, so we have had time to plan. There will be no surprises," said Laurrell.
Another major issue, in addition to the tax increase, will be the ongoing Comprehensive Services for at-Risk Youth.
"The services for this program are diminishing at the state level, so it is being primarily put on the localities at a regional level, which is raising the cost for localities," said Laurrell.
This state-mandated program is projected to increase to $1 million for the county this year.
The county will be responsible for $350,000 of that figure.
"We have been working to develop a strategy for this for years," Laurrell said.
The outcome of the state budget will be incorporated into the county's budget, and officials will also look at the general economy.
"The county is better off than the state as far as the economy is concerned," said Laurrell. "We are not fast to grow or fast to slow down, so we have a relatively balanced economy."
"This is good, but we are still very sensitive to the taxpayer's dollar and we want to be good stewards of that," Laurrell added. "We want to continue to be effective and look into that. We are a value-driven government."
(STORY BY HEATHER RORER/ALTAVISTA JOURNAL STAFF WRITER)
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