The opportunity to express their opinions on the Fiscal Year 2011 budget proposal will be afforded to Hanover County residents on March 31.

Starting at 7 p.m., the Hanover County Board of Supervisors will receive public comment during a hearing on the budget.

County Administrator Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr. has submitted a proposed budget for all funds in the amount of $388.8 million, which is a 3.2 percent or $13 million decrease, and a general fund budget of $198.2 million, a 2.8 percent or $5.8 million decrease.

In addition to the budget, the supervisors will conduct public hearings on the FY11 five-year Capital Improvement Plan, FY11 Five-Year General Fund financial plan, 2010 tax rates and fees, vehicle decal fee increase, stormwater management fee increase, and water and sewer consumption fee increase.

Harris used the theme of “Preserve Key Services and Realign Staff Resources” in his budget plans.

Marcy Cotov, budget division director, addressed the supervisors last Wednesday, saying the proposal calls for the following tax rates to remain the same:
- Personal property tax rate $3.57.
- Aircraft personal property tax rate at $0.50.
- Volunteer fire and rescue personal property tax rate at $1.78.
- Disabled veterans vehicle personal property tax rate at $1.78.
- Machinery and tools tax rate at $3.57.
- Merchants’ capital tax rate at $1.90.
- Generating equipment tax rate at $0.55.
- Real property tax rate at $0.81.
- Mobile home tax rate at $0.81.

Under fees, the proposal again calls for them to remain the same:
- Hanover County Recycling Service District fee, $22.80 per lot.
- Atlee Manor Sewer Service District fee, $780 per lot.

In fee changes, the vehicle decal fee would increase from $3 to $10 and the stormwater management fee would increase from $1,250 to $1,700 per equivalent residential unit (ERU).

Other proposed fee changes include:
- A water consumption fee increase of three percent.
- Sewer consumption fee increase of one percent.
- Technical adjustments – mandatory sewer connection exceptions; new construction, winter quarter adjustment; and non-owner occupied premises payment guarantee.

Other budget approvals involving items that do not require a public hearing are:
- Increase EMS recovery program fees.
- Increase Cannery fees.
- Amend refuse regulations.
- Amend personnel policy.
As the budget process continues, Dr. Stewart D. Roberson, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, reviewed the school system’s proposal. He told the supervisors “Our record is what it is because we have taken time to get to where we are and have committed resources.”

He said “When I consider the challenge that we are all facing in this economy, it is absolutely daunting.”

He referred to “the value of the asset of which we are all entrusted,” as well as “the opportunity to work with the people in the community. It’s the tremendous service which is provided daily by our public school system that we can all find our true north in tough times.”

Roberson has used a theme of “Preserving a Caring High Performing School Culture” in his budget proposal.

“If you maintain a vision of what you want to look like in tough times — and especially after tough times have passed — you want to retain an image worth replicating and vision to always pursue.”

With success in AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) performance, graduation rates, Governor’s Awards and major investments in No Child Left Behind, the superintendent said “It is a culture which has been noted and praised from the outside for over a decade. Hanover is still viewed as the jewel in the crown in the Richmond localities.”

He said the district is retaining its vision.

When the Hanover County School Board adopted the budget on Jan. 26, Roberson said “We knew that we can reasonably anticipate revenue losses” from the years 2008 to 2012.

He said there is “hope that the House (of Delegates) and Senate budgets will provide relief for us.”

Revenue issues also have been affected by enrollment trends, with fewer kindergartners entering the system as graduates leave. “We have to assume that more children of school age will come to our county.”

Roberson said a surge has been seen in business partnerships. He also praised the “remarkable” work of parent leaders.

Before Roberson’s presentation, the chairman of the School Board thanked the supervisors “for your continued support and work.” John F. Axselle III commended them for “the wonderful support you give the children, the education system of Hanover County. You as a group have made up a difference in some really tough times.”

“We have a great community. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish these great feats,” Axselle said.

“And it’s the worst of times, the perfect storm is here. Budget times are extremely tough. How do we maintain this school system? These cuts hurt deeper and how do we minimize the long-term impact this could have on the children of Hanover.”

Standing before the supervisors, he said, “I know that you have very difficult decisions to make. Some will have a short-term impact. We will eventually have a strong economy again and things will begin to be restored. But I ask you as you deliberate during this tough time to think about the impact it will have on the children of Hanover.”

Supervisor John E. Gordon Jr. thanked those representing the school district “for all that you do. I admire your work. I envy your work. The children of Hanover County are in good hands because of the work that you do. I believe in you and I believe in your commitment and I believe in the work that you do. And I know that the children will continue to excel.”

He also said “I believe it’s a responsibility of each of us to provide young people with the tools and the skills so they can grow to achieve that full potential and I know that you are all committed to that.”