The Board of Supervisors will hold their annual Public Hearing on the Tax Rates and the FY2013 Budget tonight beginning at 6:30pm.
Since they have already advertised the real estate tax rate at $0.95/$100 assessed value (the same as last year and the year before, even though housing values have declined for the 4th year in a row), there is no opportunity to generate additional money for schools. However, it is critical that educators show up to support full funding of the school board's approved budget (the one that puts back the lost salary cuts!) because there will be plenty of people there to say, "lower my taxes AGAIN!"--even though many of them qualify for exemptions even with a higher earnings threshold ($52k) than you, and a net worth of up to $350k (not even including their home!)--in addition to people who would rather see the existing revenue directed to projects other than schools.
There will be a sign-up sheet at the door for anyone who wishes to speak on the budget. In years past I have provided lots of data to use when arguing against cuts; this year the message is pretty straight-forward, "Support the school board's approved financial plan, AND please hold the school board budget harmless against any additional costs that result from the general assembly's changes to the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)." Short, sweet, to the point. If you want to give personal stories about what full funding means to your classroom, that's good too, but at least drive home the central theme. Please turn out to support your colleagues!
The meeting is held at the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832.
Bring your friends!
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