Dear Editor,

A county official espousing that the 17 percent rise in assessments was a good thing for Chesterfield homeowners? Really … and what might those benefits be?

As the "rising tide" has lifted all boats, a resident would have to pay as much, if not more, for comparable housing elsewhere. The higher assessments will lead to higher insurance premiums. And, of course, the county is anxiously awaiting its cut of these illusionary "profits." Should I also repeat what one supervisor alluded to last year at this time … that the higher assessments will make it easier for homeowners to obtain or increase home equity loans in order to pay these higher taxes?

In reality, the only one benefiting from these higher assessments is the Chesterfield County bureaucracy. Unchallenged for years, they have developed a gluttonous appetite for increased revenues, which they spread around for maximum political gain.

Last year, when the supervisors failed to enact the "equalization rate," their revenues increased $150 million, or 15 percent. And, if the front page article in the Jan. 31 edition of the Chesterfield Observer is any indication, they plan on adding to their "heist" again this year.

The county's budget director says the property tax rate needs to drop to 92 cents [I calculate 89 cents] for property tax revenues to be neutral. Taxpayers need to understand that even at "neutral," the county will have an additional $60 million to spend, a six percent increase, owing to proffers received, first-time real estate taxes on newly-built homes, and the 1.5 percent in productivity gains which, I'm sure, each department head delivers annually.

This fall's election gives the county's voters the opportunity to oust these "tax and spend" politicians and install individuals who believe the rampant growth in the county must pay for itself and not continue to be an increasing burden on its current residents. But, to my knowledge, those courageous individuals have yet to step forward.
Alan Francario
The Highlands