Supervisor Hosts Town Hall Meeting on Budget

Prince William County Supervisor Martin Nohe will host a town hall meeting March 23 at the McCoart Administration Building to hear residents' concerns and questions about the proposed budget.

The proposed budget includes a lower real estate tax rate but it still would be an increase of about $93 on the average homeowner's bill. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. and  Michelle Casciato will have a presentation on the fiscal year 2012 budget that goes into effect on July 1. Nohe represents the Coles District.

"I encourage you to attend the meeting and give your feedback before the final fiscal year 2012 budget is established," Nohe wrote in his newsletter. "It is important that citizens play an active role in the budget process, and this is a great opportunity for you to do so." 

Nohe's budget message in his newsletter omits that the real estate rate proposed will result in an increase in most homeowners' real estate tax bills. Instead, he states that the tax bill will be 2 percent below the fiscal year 2007 bills and 7 percent lower than the fiscal year 2009 bills.

The County Board of Supervisors voted last week to advertise a real estate tax rate of $1.213  per $100 of assessed value. Supervisors can approve a lower rate, but they cannot increase it without starting the entire process over. The advertised rate is 2.3 cents lower than the current rate of $1.236. If the advertised rate is approved, the average tax bill is projected to go up to $3,204.

The county wants to use the additional tax revenue to fund the opening of three new schools this fall and to build roads and other capital projects.

The public hearings are scheduled for April 4 and April 6. Supervisors are then scheduled to approve a final rate at their April 26 meeting.