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Resident criticizes proposed tax increases, property auctions and county economic development spending
Summary
James DeBorde of Bristol used the public-comment period to criticize possible tax increases, warn about property auctions that sold 25 properties, and question a $500,000 economic development payment to BVU; he urged the board to prioritize keeping people in their homes.
James DeBorde of Bristol addressed the Washington County Board of Supervisors during public comment on March 25, urging supervisors to avoid tax increases and to take steps to keep residents in their homes.
“My name is James DeBorde. I reside at 15015 Hurst Road, Bristol, Virginia,” he said. DeBorde criticized board members for not answering questions from the public and said that property owners are bearing more of the tax burden as the county’s population decreases and nearby Tennessee grows.
DeBorde said he received notice that 25 properties were sold at auction and called on the county to “start helping some of these people. Let's figure out ways of keeping them in their homes.” He raised concerns about reassessments and about households he said are on fixed incomes.
DeBorde also criticized a recurring economic development payment, saying, “BVU down here was given $500,000 a year to risk Virginia for economic development packages that none of them…succeeded. Leave that $500,000 in the people's pockets.” He urged “economic develop[ment] people from the bottom up.”
DeBorde closed by urging the board to consider the effects of higher taxes on residents who lack the ability to appear at meetings or speak publicly.
His remarks were delivered during the public-comment portion of the meeting and did not prompt a formal board response or action in the transcript.
