Speak Out: Where Would You Cut in the County Budget?

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors held a non-binding straw vote on Tuesday concerning a $1.209 tax rate per $100 of assessed property value, effectively nixing the previously advertised $1.215 tax rate.

work session on the county school budget, Chairman Corey Stewart explained to that the board explored the possibility of a flat tax bill adjusted for inflation ($1.212) or a revenue neutral rate ($1.209).

The lower tax rate means the school board would have to revisit its FY 2013 budget and make further cuts in school services. The Prince William County School Board voted March 28 to pass the proposed $861 million operating budget, and directed Superintendent Steven Walts to make $5 million in cuts to fund an average 2.85 percent step increase in pay for teachers.

Several teachers spoke out at the School Board meeting Wednesday night for the 7.5 contract hour day that would come by way of the step increase in employee’s salaries.

Tell us: If services need to be cut to lower costs, where do you think the county should cut back?