James City County supervisors unanimously approved a $390.5 million budget Tuesday night that ended this year’s 5-cent real estate tax credit, and moved forward with a new government center and library building.
They also approved a new budget for county utilities that will raise water and sewage rates.
Chair Jim Icenhour proposed a 2-cent credit for the next year, since property values would be re-assessed next year. But none of the others except Stonehouse representative Barbara Null agreed.
Supervisors defended their decision against complaints from 20 speakers who said they were paying too much in taxes and that the county should trim spending. They said budget growth had been in line with the growth of the county’s population and inflation.
“We are a fiscally responsible and well managed community,” Icenhour said.
They also noted the county has a tax forgiveness program for low income and disabled residents.
Berkeley District Representa…