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Board holds public hearing on advertised real property tax rate; county advertised 48¢ maximum
Summary
The board opened a public hearing after advertising a maximum real property tax rate of $0.48 per $100 of assessed value. Residents offered conflicting views: some urged keeping the current 51¢ rate to fund schools and services; others urged minimizing tax increases and seeking alternative revenue.
The Frederick County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing March 12 on the notice of proposed real property tax increase after the county advertised a maximum, or advertised, rate of $0.48 per $100 of assessed value.
Mr. Bauhofer (county staff) explained that Virginia law requires a locality to advertise a rate when proposed real property tax revenue is expected to increase by more than 1 percent; the advertised rate is the maximum the board may adopt for the coming fiscal year, and the board may adopt a lower rate before it finalizes the budget.
During the public hearing, several residents urged differing outcomes. Jody Yegi (Red Bud District) urged the board to maintain the current 51¢ rate, saying, “This is not just about numbers on a budget. It's about our schools, our roads, and the safety of our community.” Jody Yegi argued that keeping 51¢ would fund schools, first responders and infrastructure.
Sonia Marfati Agut (Back Creek) asked specific questions about staffing for sheriffs, EMTs and fire and rescue, school overcrowding and traffic congestion on Routes 7 and 11; she urged maintaining the 51¢ rate. Joseph Rand (Selma District) told the board that due to property assessment increases some taxpayers face higher effective bills even if the advertised rate is lower; he urged exploring other revenue sources.
Other speakers, including Jay Martz (Gainesboro District), urged the board to minimize property tax increases to avoid raising rents for tenants and asked the board to explore alternative revenues such as sales taxes.
County staff noted there is no action required at the hearing; the board can set a final tax rate at adoption of the budget. The chair clarified that once an advertised rate is published, Virginia law constrains the board to that rate or lower for the coming year. The board received public comment and no vote was taken on the advertised rate that night.
