[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6652824,"mediaKeyId","2489300-1db8a413bb70256fbfb51458b309616b","parentId",2489300,"title","Committee backs $11.85 million stormwater financing to finish North Cameron, replace culverts and restore stream banks","audioSeconds",604,"startMs",1742590,"endMs",2347484,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2489300-1db8a413bb70256fbfb51458b309616b&start=1742&end=2347","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2489300-1db8a413bb70256fbfb51458b309616b/thumbnail_1742590.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6652824/Winchester-City/Frederick-County/Virginia/Committee-backs-1185-million-stormwater-financing-to-finish-North-Cameron-replace-culverts-and-restore-stream-banks","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652824-043700a642d4db820eb19105a3bb72c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771211551&Signature=ZNC6CL3YLrtddtLfAQB6oZit9UNyZ2iWXAqECtJ1P8gyDhFY-OHu5yoSfi56LH6ulo2ve3LvuI1JPI7XBjZ6~XA~PwxomkSYpbuBH0dzkJTFXkz1Rdz6rZoAilkvVToTdRWTqCMoP8uDTvQc3046J0Hl7v3iE6C7OFIF5OBsp0qWGghZvGh1IqCNQO0E6mReC4QRD7gqvG7upLyTIBX2pSRBalvqPBnpBsjPJpJLkac1Xt-FTIP-MFm1RNr-bTN9AP1bASuuXtlODb7xhF3bVtzsEWzYrj4SrCAFAA1NOuSiZBWx3ciBw4AV0NNZZiFmJtAbtkxivCPH3qNGOUH5dg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Winchester","date","2025-03-04T00:00:00Z","article","The Finance Committee voted to forward an ordinance and companion resolution authorizing the issuance of stormwater system revenue bonds not to exceed $11,850,000 to the full City Council with a recommendation for approval.

City staff described the bond as the second stormwater loan; the city previously financed about $14 million, which was spent largely on the North Cameron drainage project. The requested up to $11.85 million would fund three primary projects: finishing the North Cameron drainage work, replacing severely deteriorated box culverts under Millwood where Abrams Creek crosses near Shenandoah University, and a streambank restoration project at a park location identified by staff.

Staff said the Millwood culverts are structurally degraded and, while they could likely be left in place for several years, the city prefers to replace them now because VDOT will undertake a large bridge replacement and roadway project in the same corridor in 2026. Replacing the culverts in advance would avoid repeating major excavation after the VDOT work. Staff estimated market interest rates for the bonds around 4 percent and said the stormwater utility will underwrite the bonds and repay debt from stormwater revenues.

Committee members asked for project timing and for an itemized allocation; staff provided a project‑level breakout in the meeting and said roughly $1.8 million would be assigned to the box culvert element. Staff also noted an annual report on the stormwater utility had been prepared for public distribution. A motion to forward both the ordinance and the related resolution to council for approval passed by voice vote.

The committee’s recommendation sends the measure to the full City Council for final action; staff said work would start this summer with an aim to complete culvert replacement before VDOT begins its work in 2026.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Winchester - City Council - Finance Committee - 1:00 PM - Mar 04 2025 - Mar 04, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Finance Committee voted to forward to City Council an ordinance and companion resolution authorizing up to $11.85 million in stormwater system revenue bonds to fund three stormwater projects, including finishing North Cameron drainage and replacing deteriorated culverts on Millwood (Abrams Creek).","taxTitle","Winchester City, Frederick County, Virginia","taxId",5107,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652829,"Commissioner outlines drop in personal property tax relief; committee forwards recommended rate",498,1228010,1726935,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2489300-1db8a413bb70256fbfb51458b309616b&start=1228&end=1726","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2489300-1db8a413bb70256fbfb51458b309616b/thumbnail_1228010.jpg","/articles/6652829/Winchester-City/Frederick-County/Virginia/Commissioner-outlines-drop-in-personal-property-tax-relief-committee-forwards-recommended-rate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652829-06059f44723fbe8e5e29b6ca8b4dfd55/orig.mp4?Expires=1771211551&Signature=WM5GiDJaqg0PjOdCuD-vLhTyPme-szyqDJ14-loSNLcMRsf-VlAfKjRiv7OIq1MBc00yYVafOrHGGNAmiCZD3RMiFUttfqyFEaziDyFR7BfGwnuPk0NsvL~PnuWDTNMQIM2wkh783D6LUqQDeUU8IgONAEQ2YZGAh0xFYJQBh~euWPT7TdSes9GkXuAGs4gSJbMP4Il3r6R-6cdq0JulUQRd6NMXfYnQ--42DK2x-gEUsuID~lLVsvuRrSwyGPMdlaKinDEwK~7jbpd1Rz-gYGQrcog38-HYqF0AWh8HSuwam2tcfLm6alCfTjudh1wDJ0liy0LVhrtxQNdMzCRdwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Finance Committee heard from the Commissioner of the Revenue about the Personal Property Tax Relief Act distribution and forwarded the recommended relief rate to the City Council.

The commissioner explained that Winchester receives a fixed state allocation for personal property tax relief — $2,600,000 — that does not scale with increases in vehicle counts or vehicle values on the local tax rolls. In the most recent reassessment period Winchester added about 1,000 qualifying vehicles to the tax rolls. Because the state allotment is unchanged and must be spread over a larger base, the percentage relief available to taxpayers is projected to fall. The commissioner said last year’s relief rate was 36%; staff estimates this year’s relief rate will be approximately 22% to distribute the full $2.6 million.

Staff presented a chart showing the impact of different relief rates on vehicle owner tax bills and recommended setting the rate as close as possible to the calculated distribution so the city neither withholds state relief nor over‑distributes it from city revenue. The committee asked clarifying questions about the fund’s mechanics. One member summarized correctly that most taxpayers will see net increases on their bills, not because the local tax rate changes, but because the state relief pool is spread more thinly.

A committee member moved to forward the recommended relief rate to the full City Council; the motion passed by voice vote. The council will consider the recommended relief percentage during its budget review and must publish the not‑to‑exceed tax rate later in the budget calendar.","Staff told the Finance Committee that the state's Personal Property Tax Relief allocation to Winchester is fixed at $2.6 million and that a growth in vehicle counts on local rolls will shrink the relief percentage from last year’s 36% to an estimated 22%; the committee forwarded the recommendation to council.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652834,"Committee backs forwarding lifetime dog license option; questions remain on rabies verification",547,172000,719535,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2489300-1db8a413bb70256fbfb51458b309616b&start=172&end=719","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2489300-1db8a413bb70256fbfb51458b309616b/thumbnail_172000.jpg","/articles/6652834/Winchester-City/Frederick-County/Virginia/Committee-backs-forwarding-lifetime-dog-license-option-questions-remain-on-rabies-verification","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652834-1aa93626c1724de3a580ad87b3621e72/orig.mp4?Expires=1771211551&Signature=Qd-mYGX-pDNWnF-1IgMdAHaUItbfwl9TL77n5nLiy3etxRr1gLkICTz0kmeYUcbeJR-74V5OHBY7sCLPOqoWg2XsP0LwJ29QLRW-wpf4iKZquv5jtuq9gjUzOLLHRCC611XmC9E3jCtpIRpPAC2AIV-qEUCl6SchbcEk8FFHyfnbp73ivGK3nsE3N9IFqjo8rWFurq6Le6S2C9fLlS9~W8-4R06DUvCXXp2dcF2CpN3LebVn1Nx-GzklV82AN7sdQVInxD-yZIpimrpSswkxe4SX42a-J4Kj9Obxr8kiL5fAvC7CpQwZfvS8apf8EPMUcy1qJWk9Dm3YYX93Mk~mlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Finance Committee voted to forward an ordinance that would add an optional lifetime dog license to the Winchester City Code and adjust annual license fees.

Treasurer Jeff Barber told the committee the city currently offers only one‑year dog licenses and residents have increasingly requested a lifetime tag. The ordinance would make both options available. Under the proposed fees presented to the committee, an altered (spayed/neutered) dog’s annual license would rise to $5 (from $4 previously reported), and an unaltered dog’s annual license would rise to $10 (from $8). The proposed lifetime tag would be $10 for altered dogs and $15 for unaltered dogs. Staff estimated current annual license revenue is about $10,500 and that offering a lifetime option could increase first‑year revenue to roughly $15,000 (staff described that figure as an estimate).

Committee members welcomed the convenience of a lifetime option but pressed staff on how the city would ensure license holders maintain required rabies vaccinations over the longer term. Barber said the treasurer’s office receives monthly lists of rabies vaccinations from local veterinarians and enters veterinarians’ paperwork into the city system; beyond that the city relies on owner honesty and animal‑control follow‑up when gaps are identified. Staff acknowledged there is not an automatic mechanism to confirm ongoing vaccinations for animals issued lifetime tags and said animal control coordinates investigations when concerns arise.

Barber said the proposed lifetime option is timed to become available on April 1 if the council acts in time; staff noted the item would move to the council for consideration. A committee member moved to forward the ordinance for council consideration; the motion passed by voice vote.

The ordinance forwarded to council amends Chapter 5, Article 2 (License Tax) of the Winchester City Code and includes the new fee schedule and implementing language. Committee discussion recommended council consider clarifying enforcement language about maintaining valid rabies certificates for lifetime tags before final adoption.","The committee recommended council consider an ordinance allowing lifetime dog licenses alongside annual tags and approved new fee levels; staff and members raised questions about verifying long‑term rabies vaccination records.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652836,"Finance committee forwards amendments to Chapter 14 parking rules after clarifying crosswalk language",118,160,119000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2489300-1db8a413bb70256fbfb51458b309616b&start=0&end=119","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2489300-1db8a413bb70256fbfb51458b309616b/thumbnail_160.jpg","/articles/6652836/Winchester-City/Frederick-County/Virginia/Finance-committee-forwards-amendments-to-Chapter-14-parking-rules-after-clarifying-crosswalk-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652836-9cf049751573e925d1ac4f7647914e52/orig.mp4?Expires=1771211551&Signature=hDimzgPSXQkqLC0J0ShFJMX9iABBdI7senHfbZKBj-6zOw0LEstzqmRKdboxn1UByQ6pLlk0kc7vhRJNQ1XoJZdc19sHA7Xnxfk11fGHwEqKm3nTFTeavYzHZ32YXJRM9CIDuRIe7P85MVyhOJaGapuLVwOLfy44Yjg8nL5ulmHg2bQpZEiXSCRzP6KL6We0ojGjH2qHQrb5xw1CST19IP8yNbYqyhIGvjdg25-YpUJct2Y-ai1O52amGg0zzheUD-0JZM1QHtem173GnkjvRS-1G7KHM4Bac2stue5ZBulEh~Q~1bgQBPd0U93v4JAqt-fSdEf0QXqFtONlLNIBhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Finance Committee at Winchester City Hall voted to forward proposed amendments to Chapter 14 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic) of the Winchester City Code to the full City Council with a recommendation for approval.

City staff member Corey, representing the Parking Authority, said the changes are intended to make the code text match an updated chart of parking fines that staff added to the code. He said the package includes redline changes the committee received and that city attorney Melissa reviewed the language. The committee held a short discussion focused on the provision that prohibits blocking crosswalks and on how markings such as hashed “site‑clearance” zones are enforced.

Committee members asked whether the code language refers to blocking the ramp portion of a crosswalk used by people with disabilities and whether a vehicle parked in the street could also block a crosswalk. Staff said the rule is intended primarily to prevent parking against the curb in a way that blocks access to the handicap ramp; if a car is in the street and obstructs the ramp, it would also be considered blocking the crosswalk. Staff confirmed that hashed pavement markings and “No Parking” painted legends are treated the same as posted no‑parking areas.

After those clarifications, a committee member moved to forward the ordinance to council with a recommendation for approval; a second was recorded and the motion passed by voice vote.

The committee did not change fine amounts in open session; the action forwarded the redline package — including the fine chart already added to the code — for final consideration by the full council.

The measure will next appear on the City Council agenda for final action. The committee record shows the motion passed by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the committee minutes.","The Finance Committee voted to forward an ordinance amending the city code on parking fines and related traffic provisions to the full council with a recommendation for approval after staff clarified language about blocking crosswalk ramps and no‑parking markings.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652820,"Finance committee reviews FY26 budget options; staff and members flag succession and staffing priorities",626,2744195,3371105,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2489300-1db8a413bb70256fbfb51458b309616b&start=2744&end=3371","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2489300-1db8a413bb70256fbfb51458b309616b/thumbnail_2744195.jpg","/articles/6652820/Winchester-City/Frederick-County/Virginia/Finance-committee-reviews-FY26-budget-options-staff-and-members-flag-succession-and-staffing-priorities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652820-769618583d7177a489452bdbda67386a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771211551&Signature=h1cw7Q7FS0jHotoWGJooNAXAf5Y7uMv8vsxDIudhD7IUsGprngp4g6UyYrIj4X3Fg9r8RD45NsP3bqnrna6Xr8zLEQHQwsSzl-tSl8EB6bvAmB6AG11ulvbufis2j1b8CpaM85c5JHwBORZd0012-dWM~0IMTt3nWvSgL5I74EA60f9RJx-oRaS4DuPFoNhEBr4gGpzkgktVHvAsWPaSoF5GvE7966w817Rnn7Dnro6o00C4k7-ttYMJeKStsC8X~S82Nqzmao74nD~4EfyWp3T~s95uQpFVeJZq3EJCwkgBb~kTkrSWt6TbnKA5hz771rkxTnQon8slIjDxUBFBSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City budget staff returned to the Finance Committee with an update on FY26 budget development and three high‑level scenarios that will be included in upcoming council deliberations.

Finance Director Dan Hoffman outlined the process and calendar, noting the city will continue committee reviews before a May adoption. He said the starting point is an amended general fund budget of roughly $121.4 million, and that staff has prepared three options that differ primarily by how much of the operating requests and use of fund balance they absorb. The scenarios are presented as a scale of options rather than a fixed penny rate because staff is waiting on the auditor’s final revenue‑neutral calculation; staff said the three options are approximately two cents apart when the final revenue‑neutral baseline is set.

Major cost drivers the committee discussed include proposed cost‑of‑living adjustments (options ranged from 2% to 3%), recruitment and retention for police and fire, an IT junior systems/network position, part‑time pay increases for Parks & Recreation (lifeguards and seasonal staff), and capital one‑time items such as a new automated refuse truck (to be funded from reserves), police vehicles, and playground and pool repairs. Staff emphasized a multi‑year approach for major park and pool work and said a private donation is supplementing playground replacement funds.

Treasurer Jeff Barber described a personnel request in his office: he wants capacity to train additional staff so the city meets state requirements that certain deputy treasurer functions be covered. Barber explained two current deputies are approaching retirement and two staff members are pregnant; training new staff and obtaining state‑required deputy certifications will take time — staff estimated roughly two years to complete required classes and exams. Committee members recommended a succession plan: staff suggested using an over‑hire or short‑term administrative hires if council does not add a permanent position now, and committee members requested Mr. Barber and finance staff to return with a concrete training and budget timeline.

Committee members also discussed emergency and operating contingencies, the use of fund balance for one‑time items (such as the refuse truck), and how vehicle and equipment replacement schedules inform requests for replacements in each option. The committee asked staff to develop a “middle ground” for dispatch shift differential pay that could be included in Option 2 and to return to council next week with the updated option set and the auditor’s revenue‑neutral number if it is available.

There was no committee vote on the consolidated budget; staff will incorporate committee guidance and present refined options at the next meetings in the budget calendar.","City staff presented three budget scenarios for FY26 and discussed options for COLA, public‑safety staffing, IT, stormwater and capital replacements. The committee asked staff to explore a middle ground for dispatch/shift differentials and endorsed succession‑planning steps for the Treasurer’s Office position request.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee backs $11.85 million stormwater financing to finish North Cameron, replace culverts and restore stream banks

Commissioner outlines drop in personal property tax relief; committee forwards recommended rate

Committee backs forwarding lifetime dog license option; questions remain on rabies verification

Finance committee forwards amendments to Chapter 14 parking rules after clarifying crosswalk language

Finance committee reviews FY26 budget options; staff and members flag succession and staffing priorities