Posted: 5:52 PM Apr 12, 2012
Reporter: Elizabeth Lamb

Tax Increases Might be on the Way for Staunton
Staunton Tax Increase

Staunton's City Manager Steve Owen has worked all year to balance next year's budget and hopes it doesn't come up short.

“This has been a moving target,” said Owen. “Rules keep changing. We just try to adapt and to the changing environment for that, but that's very expensive.”

City council memebers plan to hold public hearings Thursday night about raising taxes.

Next year's budget needs about $1.5-million and that money would come from increases in personal property and real estate taxes.

John Spahr is a Staunton taxpayer and he said the hikes could be worth it.

“If the services that the city maintains or provides are maintained or improved, I think it could be a good value,” said Spahr.

Tax money would go toward a jail, schools and health insurance.

“I don't want to see mine increase, council members don't really want to pay more in taxes either, but it's just to pay for. We all like free stuff, but you have to pay for services,” said Owen.

Staunton's City Council hopes to pass a budget for next fiscal year, which starts in July, at the end of April.

The city plans to hold four public hearings at city hall Thursday night to get input from the community.

That would help sway whether or not the taxes pass but more cuts could be on the way if the taxes fail to pass.

Different combinations of new taxes could pass depending on how city council members vote and on public opinion.

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