Personal property taxes could go up 10 cents to fund public safety improvements if the city council approves next year’s budget presented on Tuesday.
The proposed FY2018-19 budget includes the following increases:
- Personal Property Tax – $4 to $4.10
- Cigarette Tax – 75 cents to 85 cents (10-cent increase)
- Vehicle License Decal Fee – $30 to $32 ($2 increase)
- Storm Water Fee – 45.8 cents per day to 48.3 cents per day ($9.12 increase/year)
- Waste Management Fee – $23 per month to $24 per month ($12/year increase)
An average household with a home — defined by the city as having a $242,300 home and two cars valued at $8,200 along with average utility taxes and fees — will see an increase of about $92 in 2019.
PUBLIC SAFETY:
David Bradley, director of budget and management services, says the personal property tax increase is to fund 11 police officers, four sheriff’s employees, three employees in the commonwealth attorney’s office, two emergency management positions and the phase-in of police body cameras.
Councilman Bobby Dyer said on Tuesday he supports funding public safety.
“I think we got to step up,” said Dyer. “We find very creative ways to fund certain things and I think we have to make this a priority.”
VIRGINIA BEACH CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
The budget also proposes expanding full-day kindergarten, from 23 to 35 schools, and the addition of 53 employees in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools:
- 28 teachers (15 in high schools, 8 in elementary, 4 in middle schools and 1 split position)
- 12 high school counselors
- 13 technology positions
EMPLOYEE RAISES:
A 2-percent merit increase is proposed for full-time city employees and 2-percent raise is proposed for school employees.
Bradley says there will be a 1-percent increase in employer and employee health insurance premiums.
AGRICULTURAL RESERVE PROGRAM:
City Manager Dave Hansen also recommended cutting the Agricultural Reserve Program (ARP).
Councilwoman Barbara Henley says the program protects farmland from development.
Mayor Will Sessoms also voiced opposition to cutting the program.
Hansen says cutting the program would allow the city to invest an additional $75 million for storm water projects; however, Henley argued on Tuesday that program is already making sure there’s no development on land in flood-prone areas.
“It is the best option already in place to help the southern areas address sea level rise,” said Henley. “Please keep it.”
PUBLIC INPUT:
The city council will discuss the budget over the next seven weeks, beginning with a workshop on April 3.
The public is invited to give their input at public hearings on April 25 and May 1.
The council will vote on a final budget May 15.
