Chester resident urges tax rate adjustment for fairer contribution

The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on March 26, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. A key focus of the meeting was the county's tax rate, which has been a point of concern for residents.

One resident, who lives on Hopkins Road and is represented by Supervisor Hall, expressed his dissatisfaction with the proposed tax rate increase. He noted that while his Social Security benefits have only risen by 2.7% this year, his total tax bill is increasing at a much higher rate. He argued that if the tax rate were adjusted to match his Social Security increase, it would need to be set between 82 and 83 cents per hundred dollars of assessed value. He emphasized that any amount above this would feel like an undue burden on his finances.

The resident acknowledged the challenges the Board faces in balancing the budget, recognizing that cuts in certain areas may upset other community members who rely on those services. However, he reiterated his desire to contribute fairly to the county's budget without overextending his financial capacity.

The public hearing concluded without additional speakers, marking the end of this segment of the budget discussion. The Board will now consider the feedback received as they finalize the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.