BY MEGAN WILLIAMS
The Colonial Beach Town Council listened to the appeals of more than 50 people this week and voted against a big increase in the personal property tax on boats.
"You all came out and changed some of our minds tonight, I think," Councilman David Coombes told the audience at Wednesday night's meeting.
The proposed tax would have made boat owners pay $1.50 per $100 of a boat's assessed value, to generate about $50,000 in new revenue. The tax is now 1 cent per $100 assessed value.
Jamie Geddes of Germantown, Md., drives two hours to Colonial Beach every weekend and spends the two days on his boat with his wife. He was one of the many who said he would move his boat if the big tax increase were approved.
"We love boating in this community," Geddes said. "Do not reapply this boat tax; you'll drive it all away."
Owners and managers from five marinas and yacht centers raised concerns that the tax would drive away their clientele and destroy the town's main industry.
"Water is our greatest asset," said Mary Stanford, owner of Stanford Marine Railway, "and a boat is easy to move."
In 2005, the council virtually eliminated the boat tax at the request of residents. It was proposed again this year because the town is facing a $30,000 budget deficit.
"That is nothing," said Councilman Ronald Ridgely, explaining why he was voting against the tax.
Residents urged the council to find other means of raising money and to expand the town's tourism outreach.
Many at the meeting hadn't intended to speak, but found themselves speaking up against the proposed tax.
"You may have the tax revenue the first year," said Gary Royston. "But don't count on the boat tax money the second year, because it may not be there."
No one at the meeting spoke for the proposed tax, and the council voted unanimously against it.
The council also voted against raising the real-estate tax from 60 cents to 63 cents per $100 assessed value. Several people also spoke against that increase.
"Everyone has been hit with lower salaries," said Sharon Dunavant. "I think no decision should be made until the council is held accountable and prove to me where my money has gone."
The council is rushing to pass a budget before the new fiscal year begins July 1. It will meet again Thursday to vote on the budget.
Megan Williams: 540/374-5000,
Email: mewilliams@freelancestar.com