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By MITZIE YOUNG jJ “W^lunnock Newt Contributln# Writer
_ “Viewpoints” is presented as a contribution to the public dialogue by the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection. Readers gre encouraged to respond to the opinions expressed in “Viewpoints. ” **
Rappahannock homeowners who feel complacent about the county’s protective zoning ordinances which have been designed to assure gradual, responsible growth may have to be more concerned about what is happening in “our neighborhood.”
Culpeper, Fauquier, Warren, Page and Clarke counties are all experiencing growth surges reflecting their neighbors’ population escalation. Can Rappahannock escape the same pressures?
In Culpeper County alone the population, it’s now estimated, will more than double by the year 2000 if the present rate of housing starts continues.
The costs of education usually comprise between 70 and 75 percent of a county’s budget. Other vital community services such as solid waste disposal, sanitation, police and fire protection, health and welfare services, road development, maintenance and traffic control devices - each of which require administrative support systems — further accelerate governmental costs.
In Culpeper, studies show that taxes must increase dramatically to meet these rising costs. The outlay of $5,800,000 for planned school buildings alone (exclusive of operating costs) is anticipated now. As land acquisition costs escalate, school sites become more costly.
If real estate taxes alone were to carry the full burden of the debts thus generated, each new residence would have to be assessed at almost $300,000. If paid for from bonds, the interest on the debt will be reflected in new revenue sources and real estate tax rate increases.
As these pressures build in counties near us,
Mitzie Young, an RLEP member since its inception, is a Realtor with Eileen M. Day, Realtors of Washington.
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