The public meeting room at the Augusta County Government Center was full Wednesday night when employees of the school system turned out to support a proposed real estate tax increase. Supervisors voted two weeks ago to hold a public hearing next week for a 5-cent increase but a petition circulating through the school system has urged a 10-cent increase.
The majority of the crowd backed those members of the public who spoke on behalf of raising taxes. One tea party representative spoke against the tax increase. Four supervisors are in favor of increasing taxes, and three are against.
Supervisors David Beyeler (South River), Michael Shull (Riverheads), Larry Wills (Middle River), and Jeff Moore voted to advertise the 5-cent increase to be heard at a public hearing. Supervisors Tracy Pyles (Pastures), Marshall Pattie (North River), and David Karaffa (Beverley Manor) feel the time is not right to raise taxes.
Augusta County School Superintendent Chuck Bishop attended tonight's meeting as well as various school board members and numerous teachers and students.
The public hearing for the budget discussion is next Wednesday at 7:00 at the Government Center's public meeting room. Those interested in the 2013 budget are encouraged to attend.
No comments:
Post a Comment