Fire/EMS concerns trump talks at Charles City budget public hearing
With a four-cent tax increase as part of a proposed $22.4 million budget for Charles City operations in FY2016-17, citizens had the opportunity to weigh-in on the issue during an Apr. 19 budget hearing. And when the constituents voiced their opinions, supervisors received an earful of items to ponder.
Sixteen speakers approached the microphone at the Tuesday evening meeting. One of the major themes of the night revolved around fire/EMS support for the county and why more funds weren’t focused on that area that many residents expressed concern about.
“I live five miles from Station 3 and it’s a vacant station,” said Cathy Harris. “I live in the furthest region of the county and I would like to see fire/EMS become a priority and have it added to the CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) in the future.”
“When I look at the fire/EMS budget, it is roughly $780,000,” commented Robert Epperson. “Forty-five minutes to respond is abnormal.
“I found out that in case of a fire, our contracted personnel can’t enter the building or fight the fire inside,” he continued. “In a county that is as rural as we are and as large as we are, we have a lot of disabled and elderly people.
“I don’t see why it is not reasonable to shift funds to fire/EMS and also look for other ways to help our county,” Epperson concluded.
Additional input centered on why proposed funds for the construction of a county library were being considered this year instead of being allocated to emergency services.
“Fire and EMS is something that has been coming up more and more and it’s becoming a real concern,” said John Sain. “People don’t realize what a dire need we have there.
“The library is a good thing and it’s already done,” he continued as he referenced the passing of a November referendum for construction of the new facility. “But if we’re not covered with our fire and emergency services, then I say the library should come second.”
Additional comments fluctuated around the county’s focus on the library’s construction, opposition to the four-cent increase, and lack of businesses to bring in additional county revenue.
“I looked at the budget and I don’t see why Charles City needs a $2.5 million library,” commented C.D. Harwood Jr. “I read in the New Kent-Charles City Chronicle that New Kent spent $950,000 on a building for one over there.
“I don’t understand what’s happened in the county from 2005-2016 where we are spending an additional $3.5 million (per year),” Harwood added. “If we have debt service in the county, I can’t see how we can continue to add items to the budget.”
“I don’t understand why the library is the focus,” commented Leslie Carr. “How many residents have a library card or intend to get one? Just seems to me spending two million on a library that’s not going to generate any revenue or create jobs is a waste.
“I like to see some effort in tax money go towards something to keep our residents here,” she concluded, saying factories and retail stores would help the county’s revenue.
“I am against the tax increase,” said Charles Tench. “I’m at the point now where I can’t pay them. I have to continue to operate (farming and timber operations) and now, we’re a break-even operation.”
“I have an issue with the four-cent increase,” John Lamb commented. “Until I see problems solved, such as the collection of delinquent taxes addressed, I don’t see why the money should come from people who do pay taxes.”
With public comments closed, supervisors elected to reserve comments until an Apr. 26 work session prior to the regularly scheduled meeting. The work session is planned to start at 5:30 p.m.