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Residents voice concerns about marina pavilion funding, business license tax and wastewater rates
Summary
Three residents used the citizens' communications period to urge council to reconsider public funding for a marina pavilion, to lower the city’s BPOL (business, professional and occupational license) tax for professional services, and to examine wastewater/water renewal rate increases and historic revenue sources.
During the citizens’ communications period three residents addressed council.
Laura Greenwood, a Ward 6 resident, said she surveyed more than 50 neighbors and reported general opposition to public funding for a large marina restaurant pavilion. Greenwood said most respondents preferred small amenities for boaters (a small picnic shelter or 20-by-40 foot covered grilling area) or food trucks during boating season rather than a taxpayer-funded restaurant structure. She urged the council to consider alternatives that serve broader community use and to avoid using tax dollars for a project perceived as serving primarily boaters.
Kevin Randese, a property owner who rents a building in the city, urged council to reduce the BPOL tax rate on professional services, saying Hopewell’s rate (reported in his remarks as $0.58 per $100 of revenue above $12,000) is substantially higher than nearby Chesterfield County (reported at $0.20 per $100) and is driving businesses out of the city. He called for policy changes to make Hopewell competitive with surrounding jurisdictions.
Anthony (Tony) Zevgolis, a longtime local resident who previously served on the wastewater/water renewal commission, said he had been told publicly that water rates might rise by as much as 40% to cover deferred maintenance. Zevgolis urged the city manager and council to meet with him to discuss the historical revenue structure for the water renewal system; he said historically plants and industrial users covered a large share of costs and that the city has experience with plant operations and revenue streams. He requested follow-up with staff to discuss institutional knowledge and rate drivers.
Council members acknowledged the comments and asked staff to follow up where appropriate (for example, staff to work with Mr. Zevgolis regarding wastewater-rate questions). No council votes or policy changes were taken during the communications period.
