Tax Increases in Prince Edward County

As we the citizens of Prince Edward County, prepare for a year of property assessment increases, a possible 8% tax increase for land and home owners, along with a possible increase in vehicle tax as well.

It was almost two years ago when County Administrator Wade Bartlett in open board session told us that we were financially fine for five years. And it was Ms. Sharon Carney (County’s Economic Development Director) who said we were going to have 200 well-paying jobs, hanging her hopes on The Failed Granite Falls Inn Conference Center and Workforce Training Center.

These are the individuals we hire to run our county and keep us moving forward, both financially and development wise.

Mr. Bartlett alone, just last year received a $30,000.00 raise with a $50,000.00 exit bonus after five years. Ms. Carney’s salary county perks and benefits is in excess of $65,000.00 per year.

Let’s look at some of the reasons for our tax increase:

1st The YMCA which has already received its first $50,000.00 loan disbursement, and has requested in the 2014-2015 budget allocation request an additional $68,000.00; which would bring in 2014 alone the county’s giving $118,000.00 to them.

2nd Full payment of employees’ insurance; with the exception of emergency personnel, I feel that employees should pay a portion no greater that 2 or 3% of their income as some of the employees make in excess of $65,000.00 a year.

3rd Request by Schools for a 2% across the board salary increase; though they were given a 2% raise and one-time bonus in 2013; The Virginia Department of Education’s report card show Prince Edward County Schools Elementary and Middle not passing English and Mathematics, the core principle studies. But we should keep paying them for poor performance.

4th Piedmont Regional Jail, which due to poor health care of inmates and other incidents lost its contract to house federal inmates; couple with the resignation of Town Council Member Dr. Gordon, who was reportedly making $140,000.00 per year. Yet no one has brought in help to bring our facility up to standards to get the federal contract back; instead they saddle us with $200,000.00 of debt.

Sadly, and maybe it’s because as citizens we allow it. But the fact is 14% of our land owners are seniors, and that’s not counting the disable and their monthly income average $800.00 per month Retirement, SSI, Social Security. We have a 9% higher than The State of Virginia poverty rate and a $20,000.00 lower than average household income rate.

In closing, we as citizens need to say “enough”! Get us people who can run build and develop this county into a prosperous area; and stop taking from 75 to 81% of those citizens previously mentioned of this county who financially can’t handle this burden.

Start holding those who work for us accountable, or we will start holding our Governing supervisors accountable each and every election.

Kenneth W. Jackson
317 High Rock Road
Rice, Va. 23966-2719

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As I walked with the Charlotte Court House Planning Commission and others through town early last Saturday morning, I heard several people remark, “This is like a little Williamsburg, only these buildings are real. They have not been torn down and replaced by new versions of the original.”

The current hot debate surrounding the courthouse square and its future kept coming to mind. There are multiple issues involved there, not the least of which is the history and prestige contained in the square itself in its present state.

I wholly agree with you, Editor Jones, for having the courage to speak out against the huge financial burden that would be placed on the shoulders of the taxpayers of Charlotte County should the plan for a new courthouse complex come to fruition.

I am flabbergasted at the exuberance of the architects who apparently have no regard for our history or our pocketbooks as they effectively seek to destroy a true gem in Southside.

That courthouse square is the heart of not only Charlotte Court House, but Charlotte County. With some work –and a much lower bottom line than $7,000,000 – the existing buildings could be updated or repurposed to meet new requirements.

I beg the residents of Charlotte County to make your voice heard. Call your county supervisor. Call all of your neighbors and have them do the same. Write letters to the supervisors and the county administrator. Write letters to newspapers.

You have a voice in this county. Use it.

Sincerely, Claudia Dunnavant Koch
Charlotte Court House

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In May of 2013 signed petitions to “Stop The Charlotte County Court House Project” were submitted to Judge Leslie M. Osborn, Chief Judge of the 10th Judicial Circuit of Virginia. Our petitions were forwarded from Judge Osborn’s office to Judge Cunningham who is the presiding District Court Judge in Charlotte County. There is the question whether there may be a conflict of interest here since it is Judge Cunningham’s proposal to build a new court house.

We have been advised that this matter is under litigation but the exact status of this litigation has not been ascertained.

This project would expose Charlotte County taxpayers to an even greater tax burden at a time when they are already under the hardship of a down-turning economy and ever growing federal government.

The Editor of this newspaper has exhibited the ideals of a free press in order to bring information regarding this proposed project to the public’s attention and we commend him in this action. We as free citizens have the duty and responsibility to join him and to applaud his efforts in exercising our Freedom of The Press. When we write a letter to the editor expressing our thoughts and opinions, we sharpen the pen of the press and encourage others to do so even in disagreement.

Residents of Charlotte County, I encourage you. Your opinion does matter so write it down and send it to this newspaper.

In God Given Liberty, Hud Marston

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Anyone reading the Farmville Herald and comprehending how much it really cost taxpayers to maintain the Municipal Airport should ask their representatives what has this facility contributed to our economy. Call your town council and ask if its costing $400,000.00 annually to maintain this facility.

It was also reported that Mr Spates made a presentation to a few pilots pledging $13,200,000.00 of taxpayer funds over a 6 year period to improve the airport. These projects would be funded by 98% state/federal assistance and 2% Farmville taxpayer money according to Mr Spates.

Mr. Spates, this is still 100% taxpayer money. Most citizens pay State, Federal and local taxes. Trying to minimize what may or may not get approved of this $13,200,000.00 does not change the facts. It’s all wasted taxpayer money.

The airport is a playground for the privileged few financed by taxpayer funds. If the airport can’t be self-sustaining, it must be sold or closed. We will need this money to hire more police, support our University, businesses, and maintain our infrastructure. Sell or close the golf course and the combined savings could exceed $1,000,000.00 annually. The next recession will be brutal and our rainy day fund must be substantial.

Last but not least, I would like to apologize to readers for quoting the wrong election date. It’s May 6, so please vote. Unfortunately, most candidates are running unopposed.

Randal Phillips, Farmville

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The students, families, faculty and staff of Appomattox Christian Academy would like to take the opportunity to express sincere gratitude to Sheriff Barry Letterman and his officers for providing the Renaissance Public Safety Fair this past Saturday, April 5, 2014.  What a beautiful day!  What beautiful fellowship!

Hats off to Deputy Joni Organ and her crew who gathered together to make Robin Hood Hats and Princess Hats for all the children to adorn and who spent countless hours planning and preparing.  Thank you for all the muscle crew who set up tents and decorated the campus of Bible Baptist Church, creating such a fanfare of festivities.  Thank you to the vendors and community groups who shared hotdogs and homemade cookies, yogurt and water play!  Thank you to Bible Baptist Church for allowing the festivities to be on their grounds.  Thank you for allowing area students and our students, Zackery Brady, Bryan Tracey and Aaron Torrence to receive recognition for their involvement with the community.

Watching all the children and families enjoying the Renaissance Public Safety Fair filled my heart with joy.  Only in small town America can families and community still come together for such a wholesome event!

Jeannette Brady
Director of Recruiting and Community Outreach
Appomattox Christian Academy
P.O. Box 517, 1916 Redfields Rd.
Appomattox, VA  24522