Despite no speakers at public hearing, New Kent leaders to discuss dropping proposed seven-cent tax increase

Despite not having any speakers on a possible tax increase to the FY2024-25 budget, it’s clear that New Kent County leaders believe it’s too much.

New Kent County held a public hearing during its Apr. 4 regular monthly meeting on the possible tax increase and fee changes. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for May.

In April, New Kent County Administrator Rodney Hathaway proposed a budget of $115 million for general operations in the county. As part of that budget, a seven-cent tax hike was included as part of his first recommendation.

Hathaway spoke about how it was his job to propose a recommended budget, but it ultimately is up to the board of supervisors to make the determination.

“The 64 cents per $100 of real assessed value is seven cents higher than the equalized rate of 57 cents per $100,” Hathaway said at the meeting. “This year was a reassessment year and that’s why the rate and it looks like a seven-cent tax increase.

“Tonight, we are looking at the rates and based on the actions and recommendations of this board, I will present a revised budget next month.”

District 1 Board Representative and Chairman Thomas Evelyn was shocked that nobody spoke at the public hearing, but knew how many felt about the proposed tax increase.

“Like Mr. Hathaway stated, this is a starting point for us,” Evelyn commented. “It’s his job to make a recommendation but it’s the board’s job to look at it and approve it.

“I believe I can speak for the board when I say we feel that seven cents is going to be a little steep, especially with inflation and the way things are going on in our economy,” the chairman concluded.

Hathaway also spoke about four possible fee increases to the budget as well. The county administrator recommended increases to airport fees for closed hangar rentals, an increase to the missed inspection fee for building permits, increases to amusement attraction fees, and an increase to cost recovery fees for emergency responses based on working with insurance companies. There were no speakers during that public hearing.

A revised budget and public hearing on that budget is expected to take place on May 6.