3-cent real estate tax decrease proposed for James City budget, but meals tax up 50%

$413.1 million budget increases overall spending by 5.9%.

CORRECTION — We wrote billion instead million in the initial report. We apologize for the typo.

James City County Administrator Scott Stevens is proposing a $413.1 million budget that cuts the real estate tax rate by 3 cents and increases the meals tax by 50%.

The budget, which begins July 1, represents an increase of 5.9% from this year’s budget in overall spending, including capital budget.

His proposal to lower the real estate tax rate to 80 cents will still cost homeowners more in real estate taxes — about $8 million — because home assessments increased an average of 11.84%.

Meals taxes would increase to 6% in the proposed budget, part of what Stevens said was a move to diversify the county’s revenue base. The county also has a new revenue stream from its school speed zone cameras and would raise ambulance transport charges in line with Medicare reimbursement rate changes.

No change is proposed in the personal property tax rate, which is $4 per $100 in assessed value.

Although the budget would county employment numbers flat, current employees would receive a 4% pay raise.

Total employee-related costs, including benefits, add $3.9 million to the operating budget. That’s the second largest cost increase behind schools, which are getting an extra $5.3 million.

The budget does not fund an additional $1.2 million the school board recently requested for some personnel, an enhanced JROTC program and a lacrosse program, but itdoes include $1.5 million to re-turf Cooley Field, which would serve as a lacrosse venue.

Capital spending next year goes up $7.4 million, to $132.4 million.

The county will hold a community meeting on April 9 to discuss the budget and a public hearing on the tax rate April 14. The Board of Supervisors would approve the budget May 12.

You can read the entire budget on the county website. Stevens encouraged residents to call with questions or email them to community.meetings@jamescitycountyva.gov.