Augusta County residents voice their concerns over the proposed real estate tax rate

VERONA, Va. (WHSV) - After a reassessment plagued many residents in Augusta County, the county was left with a tough decision. The county has several large projects it needs to fund, including the construction of the historic Verona courthouse, and it had to find the money somehow. Now, residents were looking for answers at the April 17 public hearing.

The proposed budget includes body and dash cameras for the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office. This is not the first-time body cams have reached the budget, but body cams were removed when cuts needed to be made in 2023. County leaders expect body cams to stay on this year’s budget, even if cuts must be made elsewhere.

Many residents voiced their concerns to the board at the public hearing. Many described the new tax rate as debilitating and harmful to a comfortable lifestyle in the county. Many folks who voiced their opinions live on a fixed income and expressed their fear that social security won’t be enough to pay their real estate tax bill.

“It sure does put a hardship on my family. I am retired and social security doesn’t get much of an increase.” “Where are you guys going in the next couple of years with us? We’re going to have to start selling our homes and our properties.” These are just some of the concerns made to the board about the money coming out of their pockets if the new rate is approved.

Different community leaders came up and voiced their opinions on the budget. These leaders were either former board members or former county employees who analyzed a specific portion of the budget and offered praise or concerns to the board about the budget.

Augusta County Board of Supervisors chairman Jeff Slaven said he’s already started to work with residents in the county to help them understand why the changes are necessary for the county’s growth.

“We expect to hear from people all week long, and certainly hope they reach out if they are concerned,” Slaven said. “We’ve been hearing from the general public for a number of weeks, my situation very respectful. A lot of the time it isn’t something they are angry about, it’s something they are concerned about and there certainly is a difference with that.

He said the board expected the concerns from the meeting and hopes to continue working with residents through the process. The board will vote on the budget at its April 24 meeting.

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