Property Taxes in Northern VA are going way up next year!! (Hampton: mortgage, public schools)

[Refugee56]

In Fairfax County I attended a taxpayers meeting where we got a presentation from county officals regarding the next fiscal years budget. Then we broke into groups to discuss what we thought about the upcoming year and our priorities regarding County Services.

Just like I suspected most people who attended the meeting were advocates for County Programs and argued that the government should continue to spend lots of money on their pet project even if the taxes would go up significantly to pay for it. If there was talk of a cut, it was always someone else's favorite program, not mine.

The County Officials left the meeting with the false impression that the public is going to accept and support a large property tax hike so everyone can have Cadillac Programs in a Ford Pinto Economy.

Would you support higher taxes so you can have access to Cadillac Services and great schools?

[stacylee926]

Much of the mentality is all about more more more. More costs money.
Fairfax is a very wealthy county (as most of the others too). Property taxes are what drove me out of NoVa - $450 increase a mo on my mortgage pmt in 2.5 years. I got out when the market was good - if I had stayed and struggled I can't even imagine what my life would be like now.

I find it crazy that people live in the area - love it - and think it is fine to pay so much more for everyday expenses. Yes, the jobs may pay better but the economy of the area sucks it all right back out of the bank account.

I can't even imagine what types of programs they need money for. Doesn't the area have just about every type of program available - especially in the schools already? Children in NoVa are getting a terrific education right now compared to so many other areas of the country.

When we moved out of the area (right after Isabelle and my housing choices were limited) I ended up in Portsmouth. Our school system has the worst graduation percentage in the Hampton Roads area and one of the worst in the state. HOWEVER - my son is doing great and LOVES his school. He takes the same SOL tests that Fairfax takes and learns the same things. I guarantee that his school does not have the drug problems and gang problems that my daughter was exposed to in Centreville. For this alone I am forever grateful every single day and I have not looked back.

But I do visit !

[eyeball]

My question to the county would be why do they need an increase in the tax rate when their coffers have no doubt benefited substantially from the significant increases in property assessments that have occurred over the past decade? Where has all that "extra" tax money gone? I don't own there just yet, so I don't know for sure, but just because prices are dropping, I suspect property assessments have not followed suit and the county is still reaping a ton of money due to the run up of the market.

The citizens of NoVa have to figure out how to make do with less when the economy goes in the crapper; the county should do likewise.

[Alanboy395]

Originally Posted by Refugee56

In Fairfax County I attended a taxpayers meeting where we got a presentation from county officals regarding the next fiscal years budget. Then we broke into groups to discuss what we thought about the upcoming year and our priorities regarding County Services.

Just like I suspected most people who attended the meeting were advocates for County Programs and argued that the government should continue to spend lots of money on their pet project even if the taxes would go up significantly to pay for it. If there was talk of a cut, it was always someone else's favorite program, not mine.

The County Officials left the meeting with the false impression that the public is going to accept and support a large property tax hike so everyone can have Cadillac Programs in a Ford Pinto Economy.

Would you support higher taxes so you can have access to Cadillac Services and great schools?

I have a feeling that Alexandria City will pinch the citizens for taxes next year. I'm just glad the only thing i pay is car tax. For the services, it just aint worth it. So-so public schools, still wont do a thing to Landmark Mall, wont do anything about the illegals.

Stacylee926, I'm glad Portsmouth is working for you and your kid. I dont think Portsmouth gets a fair rep.