The Washington County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on December 18, 2024, focusing on financial assessments and tax rates in light of recent economic trends. The meeting began with a review of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which indicated a 21% increase from November 2020 to November 2024, juxtaposed against a modest population growth of approximately 1% during the same period.

A key discussion point was the county's real estate tax revenue, which was reported at just over $25 million in the amended fiscal year 2021 budget. The speaker emphasized the importance of understanding revenue before addressing departmental demands, suggesting that the current revenue should be recalibrated to reflect inflation and growth. By applying the 22% cumulative increase (from CPI and population growth) to the 2021 revenue figure, the projected revenue for the current year would be around $31 million.

Further calculations revealed that the total assessed real estate in Washington County has increased significantly, with estimates suggesting a total of $6.8 billion. To achieve the desired revenue of $32 million from this assessed value, a tax rate of approximately 46.1 cents per hundred dollars was proposed. The speaker advocated for a tax rate not exceeding 47 cents to ensure that county government growth aligns with inflation and the CPI, thereby maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The meeting concluded with a call for careful consideration of the proposed tax rate, urging the Board to prioritize sustainable growth in county government expenditures. The discussions highlighted the need for a balanced approach to taxation and revenue generation in Washington County.