Proposed 2013 County Budget Could Raise Tax Bills

In her presentation to the Board of County Supervisors Tuesday, county executive Melissa Peacor delivered the proposed county budget for 2013, which would raise property taxes by nearly $110 if approved.

, but the proposed rate for 2013 is $1.215, an increase to residents of by $9.17 per month over fiscal year 2012 or $110 total. 

The proposed real estate tax rate of $1.215 per $100 of assessed value, would mean the average bill is about $3,311.

Tuesday marked the beginning of the 2013 budget process; now that Peacor has presented her budget it is up to the board to figure out what changes it will adopt for the new budget. 

Peacor said that the county’s proposed FY 13 average tax bill is 30 percent lower than other Northern Virginia jurisdictions’ FY 12 average tax bills.

The five-year plan funds new staff only for libraries, police and fire staffing plans. Peacor said they are recommending 12 new officers for the police department for FY 2013 which is an additional two officers from last year's budget but still does not account for the number of officers lost during the recession. The Central District Police station would be included in the proposed Capital Improvement Plan that is funded completely by savings.

Teachers expressed their frustration with the School Superintendent's released budget that does not account for a pay increase until 2015. To read more about the ‘grade in’ at the meeting, visit InsideNova.com. 

For the Department of Fire and Rescue, Peacor said they would be adding two additional arson investigators and five new telecommunications for 911 dispatch. 

The Woodbridge Workforce Development Center is fully funded by the state for the proposed budget, which will provide training resources to local employees.

On Saturday, Feb. 18, there will be a community meeting at the McCoart building where the same budget presentation will be given for interested residents.

The budget will go through several work sessions and public hearings in March before coming to a vote in April.

Budget Adoption Calendar:

• Feb. 18, 2012 (Sat.) Community Meeting, McCoart Building - 9 a.m. This meeting will include a presentation on the Proposed FY 12 Budget only. No formal comments during this meeting. Formal comments will be addressed during the public hearings.
• Feb. 21, 2012 (Tue.) Board of County Supervisors authorize tax rate advertisement for FY 13 budget public hearing
• March 20, 2012 (Tue.) BOCS Budget Work Session; McCoart Building 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• March 27, 2012 (Tue.) Budget Work Session; McCoart Building - 7:30 p.m. (if needed)
• March 29, 2012 (Thu.) Public Hearing; McCoart Building 7:30 p.m.
• April 10, 2012 (Tue.) Board Budget Recap: McCoart Building - 2 p.m.
• April 17, 2012 (Tue.) Board Budget Markup:  McCoart Building - 2 p.m.
• April 24, 2012 (Tue.) Board Adopts FY2013 Budget: McCoart Building - 2 p.m.
• July 1, 2012 (Sat.) FY 13 budget and FY 13-18 CIP online.