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Busy, busy board
The Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors had a busy 2004. Now they're gearing up for an equally busy new year. By GEORGE WHITEHURSTDate published: 1/1/2005
By GEORGE WHITEHURST
The Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors enjoyed the best of times in 2004, and hopes for an encore in 2005. Board members approved a budget that cut real-estate taxes while simultaneously--thanks to a $1.4 billion state tax increase--producing a budget that added money for schools, law enforcement and other services. The board's slow-growth majority flexed its muscles by closing a loophole that allowed developers to subdivide land under a law intended for families. And, perhaps most notably, the board brokered a deal to preserve about 140 acres of land on State Route 3 where Union and Confederate troops clashed 140 years ago. Board Vice Chairman Hap Connors is claiming bragging rights for his colleagues. "I think the new board had a great year in 2004--in passing the first-ever code of ethics, balancing growth and economic development, in beginning to tackle transportation," he said. But as they ring in the new year, board members are outlining an ambitious agenda. The are pushing for further "smart growth" programs, want to tackle traffic jams and other transportation problems and launch a major expansion of county office space at Spotsylvania Courthouse. In recent interviews, several supervisors listed as their proudest 2004 accomplishment the creation of an ethics policy for themselves and members of advisory boards. Supervisor Chris Yakabouski said the code is improving the board's image. "I think the previous perception--and this is not district specific--is that the board was sort of unresponsive or didn't really look out for the citizens," he said. "I think what we've been able to do is show residents that we're out there looking out for them and trying to do those things that will make this county a better place." Board Chairman Bob Hagan is pleased the supervisors lowered the real-estate tax rate in order to offset soaring property assessments. "I think it was incumbent on the board to at least partially offset the consequences of the rising values," he said. "You can't spend like cash out of your pocket the increased property value, but you do have to pay increased tax assessments directly out of your pocket." The board set the tax rate at 86 cents per $100 of value, down from $1.01 the previous year. Supervisor Vince Onorato pledged that the board will try to avoid higher taxes in 2005.
Read more stories about Caroline Date published: 1/1/2005
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