The Virginian-Pilot
©
NORFOLK
Given the sparse turnout at Thursday's public hearing, Mayor Paul Fraim said he thinks most city residents "believe our tax rate is reasonable."
Only a few dozen spectators, just five of whom spoke, showed up at Granby High School for the tax-rate hearing, the last of three public meetings on the proposed $1.17 billion budget.
It was far different than Wednesday, when hundreds showed up to demand more spending for the schools.
"We thought we'd give you a break tonight because you had a pretty tough night last night," said Larry Gregory, head of Norfolk Tea Party 2, which three years ago attracted hundreds to demand lower taxes.
In spite of declining revenue, City Manager Regina V.K. Williams proposed a budget with no tax increases. The real estate tax rate will remain at $1.11 per $100 of assessed value.
Four speakers complained about the real estate tax assessment process, which is about six months behind the other cities in South Hampton Roads. Most also complimented Williams.
The City Council will hold its first work session on the budget Tuesday at noon at City Hall. It will adopt the budget on May 19.
Harry Minium, (757) 446-2371, harry.minium@pilotonline.com
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Hack!
Moss is a hack & we need new blood in this position. Elect Sherry Battle! She's a very capable businesswoman and a good person. The wackos work in city hall.
Defeat Sherry White-Battle on Saturday....
As far as I am concerned, the main event at Granby High School will be held tommorow, Saturday, May 9th. We need to make sure that we keep Tom Moss on as our City Treasurer and defeat this wacko Sherry Battle. Hopefully she will finally get the message tomorrow that she is unelectable!
Low turnout?
Most people never know when these meetings are being held. We hear about them after they've already met. I'm amazed that five people figured out when and where to go, let alone what the topic was.
No offense Pilot, but help advertise these meetings in advance rather than a little bylyne after the fact. Oh yeah, while I'm commenting, how about cities opening the debate to online chat forums too? You'll get more participation - that's today's center of democracy.
Taxes!
Whats the use in complaining to the Council? Fraim and his cronies are going to do what they want and just give you lip service in return!
Like they really listen to what you have to say or think.