The Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors convened on May 28, 2024, to address various community concerns and administrative matters. The meeting began with a reminder to attendees about the rules for public presentations, emphasizing that speakers must address the board directly and cannot yield their time to others. Additionally, public comments should not pertain to issues scheduled for public hearings or serve as political campaign speeches.

During the public comment segment, resident Nancy Caldwell shared her personal financial struggles following the death of her husband. Caldwell, a resident of the Livingston District, detailed her experience of losing a significant portion of her Social Security benefits, which has impacted her ability to manage rising real estate taxes. She reported that her property taxes increased from $4,000 to $7,261.49 in one year, placing additional strain on her monthly budget.

Caldwell outlined her income and expenses, noting that her Social Security income is $2,610.70 per month. She detailed her financial obligations, including a mortgage payment of $720, a propane budget that is expected to rise, and various insurance costs. Despite her careful budgeting, Caldwell expressed concern over the increasing costs of living, particularly in relation to her fixed income.

The board listened attentively to Caldwell's testimony, which highlighted the challenges faced by many residents in the community regarding property taxes and living expenses. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the board to consider the concerns raised by Caldwell and other citizens as they continue to address community needs and financial policies.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of public input in local governance and the ongoing challenges residents face in managing their finances amidst rising costs. The board's next steps will involve reviewing the issues presented and exploring potential solutions to support constituents like Caldwell.