Public hearing on tax rate increase yields no true direction in New Kent

With a nearly $60 million budget proposal based on a one-cent tax increase, New Kent supervisors pondered the necessity of increasing the proposed real estate tax rate by one penny to 84 cents per $100 of assessed value. (The current rate is 84 cents per $100 of assessed value, but the equalized rate sits at 83 cents).

But with no clear indication on which direction to lean towards after a Mar. 18 budget retreat, county leaders elected to have the public voice their opinion for insight on the tax rate proposal at Monday night’s regularly scheduled meeting.

Three county residents stepped to the podium at the Apr. 11 public hearing to address the supervisors on the issue. In similar fashion to district representatives, those speakers also had varying viewpoints on the proposal.

“I would encourage the board to keep the rate at 84 cents,” said Jack Chalmers. “By keeping that rate, we can hire additional firefighters to man the Lanexa Station.

“When that station was originally built, we were told it was going to be manned 24-7,” he continued. “Right now it’s manned five days a week and I strongly feel that we need coverage for that station.”

“I also support the 84-cent rate,” said Bart Leader in his time at the podium. “I believe that the county can use those funds for other things, not just the fire-rescue.

“We need to continue to bring businesses and events to the county,” he added. “I believe people will see how wonderful New Kent County is as a place to live and a place to do business.”

James Poole, however, encouraged county leaders to reduce the rate to 83 cents, emphasizing that money can be designated under that amount.

“I understand the need for more services, but I would like to see a shift of funds in the budget before asking for more money from taxpayers,” Poole said. “I don’t want to see the burden put on the taxpayers.”

After closure of the public hearing, two county leaders elected to make brief comments on the budget, while others chose to reserve comments for an Apr. 13 budget work session.

“This past weekend we had a service shortfall with Fire-EMS services,” said District 1 representative Thomas Evelyn. “I know that at one point a call for service came in and we had no ambulances in the county.

“I hope to keep the rate at 83-cents,” he continued. “I know it’s an average of $25-30 on a bill but that has an impact on people. I also know that we need help with our Fire/EMS services and that is something that definitely has to be addressed in this budget.”

District 5 representative Ray Davis’ input also leaned towards maintaining the lower rate.

“We have enough new money where we can keep it at 83 cents,” Davis said. “Everything is getting more expensive today such as food and bills.

“A lot of people are living on fixed incomes and that $25-30 would affect them,” he concluded.

Supervisors will reconvene on Wednesday (Apr. 13) morning for a budget work session.