In advertising for a public hearing in March, Chesterfield County leaders will this Wednesday decide how high the county's tax rate might go in the coming fiscal year.
In past years, the supervisors have not advertised above the current 95 cents per $100 of assessed real estate value.
But this year, Chesterfield faces a projected shortfall of $80 million between the county and its schools -- a figure that still could change depending on the state's budget.
Budget Director Allan Carmody said the county would not recommend an advertised tax rate until Wednesday because of "the many unknowns and constantly shifting state revenues." The House and Senate versions of the budget were released yesterday.
"We'd like to get a look at those first," Carmody said, noting that the county suggests maintaining all of its other various tax rates apart from real estate.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Daniel A. Gecker was the only supervisor who last year sought to advertise a higher tax rate in case state budget changes worsened the county's revenue outlook.
"I still believe we ought to give ourselves that flexibility," he said.
To offset the 4 percent decline in real estate values this year, the supervisors would need to raise the rate to $1. School leaders have asked the supervisors to raise the rate to at least 99 cents to help offset its own shortfall.
The Chesterfield Business Council issued a statement Friday supporting a rate adjustment, but no higher than the revenue-neutral $1, so most homeowners would not see higher tax bills.
Chesterfield's rate is already the second highest in the region, behind Richmond's $1.20. Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones has said he won't propose an increase this year to help offset a $30 million budget shortfall that has been projected for the coming fiscal year. As of the beginning of the month, officials in Henrico and Hanover counties had not officially discussed a tax-rate adjustment.
Utility fee increases and code change
The county is also proposing increases in utility user fees and connection fees for fiscal 2011. Projections show the current fees will not cover the utility department's operating costs.
The proposed charges for a typical residential size meter with an average bill would see a $1.29 increase monthly on their water and wastewater bill. Connection fees for typical residential meters are proposed to increase in water from $4,025 to $4,400 and in wastewater from $3,140 to $3,455. The connection fees for larger meters will increase proportionately based on size.
A code change also is proposed that would allow the county to collect all delinquent property taxes before issuing a business license. The change would come ahead of implementation of a new tax assessment, billing and collection system.
The supervisors will also decide on a proposed change to bow hunting laws. The change would prohibit shooting arrows -- except for target practice -- within 150 feet of a home unless permission is granted from the property owner.
The current law only prohibits shooting over the property line of the property on which a person is using a bow.
The proposal has softened considerably because of public feedback on the original recommendation to limit the distance from homes to 600 feet.
Contact Wesley P. Hester at (804) 649-6976 or whester@timesdispatch.com.
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