Dumfries, Va. –– Virginia’s oldest chartered town will spend $4.3 million in operating costs over the next year.
Town officials Tuesday night approved its fiscal year 2012 operating budget, which is $382,000 higher than the previous year’s budget, according to town documents.
The budget increase comes as property values in the town have declined, but Dumfries Town Manager Kimberley Alexander said the budget is higher this year because officials injected monies into the budget that had been in reserve.
“There was an actual decrease in the overall budget, as the money that we’ve used to increase the budget has for years been in escrow accounts. The majority of it is state grant funds,” said Alexander.
Prior to the vote, a public meeting was held to discuss the next year’s budget but no one spoke, said Alexander.
The new budget didn’t pass unanimously, as Councilwoman Kristin Forrester and Councilman Gerald Foreman voted against the measure.
In a budget proposed by Forrester, she says her plan would have reduced the town’s tax rate by 4 cents and still would have funded a new park project and would have initiated a night shift differential for town police.
The approved budget reduces the tax rate by 2 cents, said Forrester.
“Our tax rates were raised significantly, and when that happened the council and town staff told citizens it would be raised for two cycles. Instead of lowering it after two cycles, we have found other priorities to spend money on,” she added.
A newly redesigned website for the town was also discussed at Tuesday’s meeting. Officials did not say when they plan to launch the new site.
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Looking for a cozy way to spend your morning? Join the Cup of Cozy Mysteries book discussion at Vita Nova Creatives & Coffee in Nokesville on Tuesday, January 28, from 11 a.m. to noon. This month’s featured book is Mastering the Art of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge.
Enjoy tasty treats while chatting about this delightful, cozy mystery at 13051 Fitzwater Drive. Need the book? Stop by Nokesville Library to grab a copy, or check out the e-book or e-audiobook on Hoopla. Questions? Email [email protected].
Have a great local event coming up? Share it with the community for free! Submit your event quickly and easily using this link: https://form.jotform.com/221630757468058.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
