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The clipping this text was read from
The clipping this text was read from

By DAPHNE HUTCHINSON

Rappahannock News Staff Writer

All was quiet at Monday’s county budget hearing.

Not a single taxpayer spoke against proposed $5.3 million expenditures which require a real estate levy of 64 cents per $100 of assessed value, double the rate of four years ago and up six cents from this year’s.

To hold the advertised rate at a 10 percent increase over 1986, the supervisors propose drawing an estimated $151,000 from accumulated surplus, according to accountant Wally Cox’s budget message. In addition, while the proposed personal property tax rate is unchanged, it will be levied on 37l/2 percent of the assessed value of licensed motor vehicles rather than the current 25 percent of value.

The difference in assessment — expected to generate $90,000 - has not been publicized. At the close of Monday’s board meeting, Supervisor Newbill Miller suggested a resolution to Commissioner of Revenue Beverly Atkins noting the change.

“I don’t think it’s legal to assess at 25 percent or at 3714 percent (of value),” advised accountant Wally Cox. “I think the law requires fair market value.”

“So forget the resolution,” Supervisor Miller responded, grumbling about the ever tighter technical constraints placed on local officials.

At the earlier public hearing on the proposed county budget, the board heard from department heads seeking — at least on paper - hefty percentage increases over current appropriations.

Sheriffs department, jail

Only a small portion of the proposed 35 percent and 33 percent hikes in spending for the sheriffs department and jail operation involves local money, according to Sheriff John Henry Woodward.

The local share of the increase includes $12,000 for six portable radios and repeaters to give law enforcement personnel contact with dispatchers while away from their patrol cars and $10,000 for health insurance.

“At this time, the county is furnishing absolutely no benefits,” Sheriff Woodward said. One deputy recently resigned to take a job with the state police, citing Rappahannock’s low pay and no fringe benefits as reasons for the move, “and I un

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