Leesburg Budget Starts with 19.5¢ Tax Rate

Leesburg Town Manager John Wells’ opening bid on the Leesburg was a 19.5¢ real estate tax rate for FY 2014 budget, which calls for $47.9 million in expenditures and fewer employees.

The budget represents a .5 percent increase over the FY 2013. Previous projections that called for a 5¢ increase in the tax rate during the next three years have been revised and now called for a 2.5¢ increase over two years.

Town residents pay the town rate in addition to the county's real estate tax rate, which is currently advertised at $1.23¢ per $100 of assessed value.

Two town positions have been eliminated during the past 12 months, bringing the total reduction of the town’s workforce to 8.1 percent since its peak in 2010, or 36 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions.

“We’ve been able to manage the overall expenditure level of the budget, fairly well maintain a stable workforce at the same time while the town population has increased,” said Wells, who’s contract was recently extended by the town council.

Wells said the federal government’s inability to resolve its sequestration debate leaves some uncertainty for business in the area.

“There will likely be an effect on the local economy,” he said, however, it won’t be felt immediately, if in fact a federal resolution is not reached.

A public hearing is set for March 12 on the budget, with another public hearing for the tax rate on April 8. The final vote for the budget and tax rate is expected April 9.

For more information about the budget, or to ask questions online, visit www.leesburgva.gov/askbudget.