Henrico and Chesterfield propose bigger budgets with raises
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Chesterfield and Henrico's proposed budgets include raises for county workers, but Chesterfield is proposing a tax cut while Henrico has to direct extra money to schools.
Why it matters: Henrico has to make up for a loss of around $1.5 million in state aid for schools, in part because the county dropped its real estate tax rate last year.
State of play: Both counties unveiled their billion-dollar budgets for the coming fiscal year last week, which direct the bulk of their resources to schools, public safety and infrastructure.
- Henrico is proposing a $1.4 billion general fund budget, up 3.3% from its current budget, with 85% going to schools and public safety.
- Chesterfield is proposing a $1.1 billion general fund budget, a 4.7% increase over this year's, with 85% going to schools, public safety and infrastructure.
- And leaders of both counties said they're focusing on fiscal restraint and core services.
Zoom in: Some of Henrico's budget restraint was forced due to the loss of $1.5 million in state education aid.
- Officials there said the county's economic growth, fueled largely by tourism-driven sales taxes, plus its 2-cent real estate tax rate reduction last year, caused the state to recalculate how much aid the county needs — and how much it sends.
- To make up the difference, Henrico had to budget an extra $25 million for schools, "with 97.9% of that increase coming from local revenues," per the county.
- The county proposed 3% reductions across department budgets to find it.
- It's also proposing 3% raises for all county employees.
Meanwhile, Chesterfield is proposing a 10-cent drop to its car tax rate — going from $3.35 to $3.25 per $100 of assessed value, which the county says will make it the lowest in the region.
- Plus, the county wants 3% raises for non-unionized county workers, 3.25% raises for unionized workers and 5% raises for teachers.
- And $5 million more for real estate tax relief for elderly residents.
Yes, but: Chesterfield is also proposing increases to its water and sewer rates, costing the average resident around $2.94 more a month, beginning in July.
- And raising the convenience center use fee from $7 to $9.
What's next: Both county boards are scheduled to vote on the budgets on April 14.