Council Not Interested in Raising Tax Rate

The Leesburg Town Council hosted a special meeting Monday night to gather public input on the tax rate that will go into effect June 1 when fiscal 2012 begins.

Town leaders said they would not raise the tax rate which had been in effect for the past two years, 19.5 cent on every $100 of assessed value.

“I support keeping the tax rate constant, and I don’t see a reason to raise the rate,” said Council Member Kenneth “Ken” Reid.

No members of the public spoke out at the special meeting, but the Town Council’s regular meeting tonight, there will be another public hearing on the proposed budget.

Most members did not ask any questions at the meeting, though Council Member Katie Sheldon Hammler wanted to see further information on how changing assessments would affect the different segments of the town’s tax base.

Town Manager John Wells said the average tax bill across the board has seen a $200 difference because of changing assessments, despite the fact that the tax rate did not raise the past two years.

One member, Thomas S. Dunn, II, said he wished the council would actually lower the tax rate.

 “As usual, I’d like to see a lower tax rate,” Dunn said. “I won’t let this cup pass before me.”

Leesburg Patch will live blog tonight’s meeting, which will take place at Town Hall at 7:30 p.m. and will also be webcast.