LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Property tax reduction was needed

Dear Editor,

I couldn't disagree with Leslie Haley's recent letter [Apr. 30] more. I guess it is easier to point a finger and blame someone else than try to come up with a different approach for equitable solutions. Let's look at the facts. If the tax rate had stayed the same, and let's just say there were no new residents added to Chesterfield County this past year, residential tax revenue would have increased by at least 11 percent according to conservative estimates of assessment increases. So with the rate change, what does that make, a 10 percent increase in residential tax revenue? That 2 cents change may not mean much to you, maybe a pair of shoes or a purse, but to some of us it will help offset the tolls we pay to go to work each day. Don't think for a minute that the rest of us aren't hit with the rising costs of living. The fact of the matter is my entire last pay raise goes directly to paying Chesterfield County taxes thanks to those out of control and reality tax assessments, but I guess that is what I get for being a public servant.

I see the school board's reaction to not having as much money as they wanted was to continue business as usual and just say they can't do this or that. How about using a graduated pay increase scale for teachers and staff - the higher the income, the lower the percentage rate of increase - this would make a tremendous difference and would allow you to reallocate funds for priorities.

The same goes for county staff. With over 400 employees making over $75,000 per year, if you gave them a 2 percent raise as opposed to a 4 percent for entry-level personnel, you would have over $640,000 to work with. Flat rate salary increases create an upward spiraling burden on available revenues, and in tough economic times leave you few choices of either cutting personnel, services or both.

I applaud the board of supervisors' decision on the rate reduction and for recognizing the increasing burden on families of moderate income. My hope for this move would be that it gets people like Ms. Haley not only to ask how but also to give answers how. There are many things we can do to answer the questions she asks, and if the school system is struggling in four years, it won't be from this tax rate reduction, it will be from pouting about it and not focusing on the goal and getting it done with the means we have available and creativity.

Jim Slaughenhaupt

Midlothian

Dear Editor,

After reading several of the disappointed [news stories] regarding Chesterfield's supposed real estate tax cut, I too am concerned about the county's schools. Apparently our math departments have been negligent in teaching such basic principles as an 11 percent increase followed by less than a 2 percent decrease still yields over a 9 percent net increase.

As a person who is compensated solely on commission, I would welcome the challenge of having to budget my household on a guaranteed 9 percent annual increase. It's amazing to me how the county claims to have to make sacrifices in light of the recent housing and commercial boom. Perhaps it comes down to proper budgeting. I wonder where the county will continue to find their future 9 percent increases once assessments overrun the true market value of our homes? With gullible citizens who prefer 11 percent increases to 9 percent, I have no doubt we'll continue to be easy pickings.

Mike Layton

Midlothian