David Karaffa: Do we really need to raise taxes in Augusta?

Maintaining the balance between low tax rates and funding services is a delicate task. I have heard from many in the education profession express that our current 48-cent tax rate is not adequate, and then surrounding jurisdiction’s tax rates are often recited to me.

However, many Augusta County residents have read in the newspaper about the advertised 5-cent tax increase on real estate property. Citizens have expressed resistance because they have had enough taxes increases this year with the Social Security Tax increase in January and a hefty increase in health care insurance premiums due to the new healthcare law.

A 5-cent tax increase would raise revenue in the tax coffers over $3.2 millio. Traditionally, half of the revenue goes to the schools and half to the county. The county is short $250,000 for the upcoming budget, why do we need $1.6 million to cover that deficit?

Augusta County Public Schools have asked for an additional 2.86% raise on top of the 2% raise that is already calculated into their current budget. They would also purchase $500,000 in new computers as well as make up the 100% insurance premium coverage for bus drivers and cafeteria workers. Totaling $2.5 million in additional funding.

When further asked the schools stated that $440,000 would be needed to cover the insurance for one year, because Obamacare will take care of them next year. Why do we need to raise taxes for a one-time expense?

Simply put, next year we will have the new county reassessment completed. The Board of Supervisors will have to change the tax rate accordingly. This year we need to stay the course and use our capital accounts to cover the shortfalls of our budgets.

Please take the opportunity to voice your opinion at one of my two town hall meetings. Thursday, April 11th, at 7 p.m., at the Stuarts Draft Elementary School Cafeteria, or Monday, April 15th, at 7 p.m., at the Augusta County Government Center (Smith West room). I will be taking questions from the audience and offering my thoughts.

David Karaffa represents the Beverley Manor District on the Augusta County Board of Supervisors.