Taxpayers speak out against $11 million in higher taxes at JCC public hearing

It's April 15, income tax day. Taxes were on the minds of speakers at the James City County public hearing on the new budget; they demanded cuts in taxes and spending.

Taxpayers criticized the budget Tuesday night (Williamsburg Watch photo)

James City County Supervisors heard from upset taxpayers Tuesday night who asked for lower taxes and less county spending, saying continuing price hikes hurt seniors on a fixed income and lower-income residents.

More than 60 people turned up for the public hearings on the budget and taxes Tuesday night. Many of them were seniors, and the audience applauded and cheered each of the 17 people who spoke against the $413.1 million budget. No one spoke in favor.

The proposed operating budget shows a 6.8% increase, more than the 6.5% estimated population increase over the past five years or the 2.9% inflation rate.

The capital spending budget increases to $132.4 million in the fiscal year that starts in July largely to cover the cost of the new county office building and library annex. That budget goes back down in Fiscal Year 2028 as construction spending decreases.

Besides $11 million more in real estate taxes planned in the budget – the result of double-digit increases in home assessments – the proposed budget also raises the meals tax by 50%.

Retirees and seniors made up the majority of the audience, a reflection of the gradual aging of James City County’s population. Seniors over 65 years old now comprise 28% of county residents, a larger percentage than the rest of the Historic Triangle or the state, according to USA Facts. Fewer than 18% of Virginia residents are over 65.

Comparative ages in the Historic Triangle. Williamsburg numbers reflect the large student population at William & Mary. (Chat GPT chart)

County Administrator Scott Stevens is recommending home property taxes be reduced by 3 cents per $100 in valuation to offset some of the double-digit increase in assessments. But the average homeowner will still pay 7.4% more in taxes.

“What we care about is what we’re paying out of our pockets for real estate taxes,” not the tax rate, said Michael Jenks.