Brenda Wood, the city treasurer, explained the purpose of the ordinance, stating, “The state provides the authority for a city treasurer to do this. The ordinance is for imposing a collection fee on delinquent taxes to cover administrative costs, attorney, or collection agency fees.” The ordinance sets forth a collection agency fee of up to 20% of the taxes owed and establishes a timeline for addressing delinquent status if appeals are filed in a timely manner.
During the council session, Ward 2 Councilor Gerlach expressed his support, citing his extensive experience defending individuals in debt over the past 40 years. “This is not uncommon for municipalities,” Gerlach remarked.
Vice Mayor Councilor Charlie Frye inquired about the potential for flexibility in staggering the percentage based on hardship or other factors. Wood clarified that she did not have control over this aspect, stating, “Whatever agency we use will decide this. The standard is usually 20% with no variables, from my experience,” said Wood.
Mayor Kerry Devine requested clarification on the current collection process. Wood outlined the existing procedures, including initial billing, delinquent notices, and utilization of state tools. She also mentioned measures such as liens on bank accounts and property seizures, although the latter has been halted since the coronvairus pandemic.
Councilor Will Mackintosh, At-large, sought information on the expected magnitude of delinquent taxes in a calendar year. Wood indicated that thousands of delinquent notices are sent annually, with approximately 5,000 to 6,000 issued for the first notice.
Ward 1 Councilor Jason Graham inquired about anticipated revenue and payment arrangements with collection agencies. Wood explained, “I cannot predict this. Taxpayers pay 20% to the agency, and the city receives 100%. The city is not on the hook for paying the agency.”
Councilor Jannan Holmes, At-large raised concerns about the timeline’s adequacy for residents. Wood acknowledged that the process would take time but emphasized that attorneys would have additional tools at their disposal compared to the city.
Following the discussion, Gerloch moved to approve the ordinance, which was seconded by Councilor Graham and passed unanimously by the Fredericksburg City Council. The ordinance is slated to take effect on April 1, 2024.
Caitlyn Meisner is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.
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At a recent meeting of the Fredericksburg City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, Ward 3 Councilman Timothy Duffy commended the James Monroe High School boys basketball team for their remarkable performance in the semi-finals.
The team’s impressive 91-67 victory over visiting Booker T. Washington has set them up for an important matchup against Lake Taylor at Norfolk State University on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 8 p.m., with a chance to advance to the state championship game, reports the Fredericksburg Free Press.
Councilman Duffy expressed regret for those who hadn’t yet attended a home game this season, emphasizing the team’s cohesive and selfless style of play, particularly highlighting the leadership of Chuck Ellis in anchoring their tenacious defense.
“It’s too bad if people haven’t gotten to a home game this year,” said Duffy. “They play an unselfish style of basketball with a tenacious defense led by James Monroe’s own Chuck Ellis.”
He further remarked on the city’s unity in supporting the young athletes, describing it as a “great thrill” to witness the community rallying behind them. Duffy extended congratulations and gratitude to all those involved with the basketball programs.
Following Duffy’s remarks, Vice Mayor Charlie Frye also addressed the council, recognizing the significance of the team’s achievements, particularly in light of recent instances of team violence that have affected the community, including the tragic loss of two team members last year.
Acknowledging the team’s roots in programs like “Midnight Madness,” Frye highlighted the positive impact of sports on the city, emphasizing the players’ dedication to honoring their fallen classmates.
“This is a good feeling for this city – especially with the team violence that has happened in the last year,” stated Vice Mayor Frye, acknowledging two team members who were killed. “Many boys players say they’re playing for their fallen classmates, according to city council members.”
Caitlyn Meisner documented the Fredericksburg City Council meeting.
The FredNats, Fredericksburg’s Minor League Baseball team, and the city’s convention center are working to draw more people.
During a city council meeting on January 9, 2024, the council discussed the significance of the Virginia Credit Union Stadium, home to the Fredericksburg Nationals baseball team and the neighboring Fredericksburg Convention Center. Victoria Matthews, Fredericksburg’s tourism sales Manager, highlighted that “the Fredericksburg Convention Center is booked for almost every weekend of 2024.”
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hyperbole: “This Sunday, Fredericksburg bids farewell to 2023, and with it to the leadership of Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw. For over 15 years (eleven as Mayor and four on City Council), Mayor Greenlaw has helped guide a growing city that’s striving to hold onto its small-town charm. As a lifelong resident, her work and efforts have touched upon local healthcare, homeless assistance, education, businesses development and the arts.”
Voters chose At-large Council member Kerry Devine to replace Greenlaw, who did not seek re-election. Devine ran unopposed.
Fredericksburg leaders are focusing on reducing teen violence following the shooting deaths of two teenagers shot and killed in March and June 2023.
The city council and school division partnered to create the FXBG Steering Committee on Teen Violence. It has more than 30 members, including city officials, parents, and community partners.
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City of Fredericksburg: “The City of Fredericksburg, the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the University of Mary Washington’s (UMW) Athletics Department are partnering to bring in more sports tourism events and drive room nights to city hotels.”
“Fredericksburg City Council in this fiscal year’s budget allocated $100,000 to the Fredericksburg EDA to be used for sports tourism development. Some of those funds have been put toward a new agreement with UMW that is expected to boost sports tourism-related revenue for the City. For every hotel room booked in the City of Fredericksburg due to a UMW athletics event, UMW Athletics will receive $10 per room, per night from the EDA. The agreement also includes a $5,000 sponsorship that will allow the City of Fredericksburg’s tourism office to have more visibility with incoming athletic groups, and provide other marketing opportunities.”
