York County approved a $266 million budget for the 2025 fiscal year, featuring tax reduction but also cuts affecting county schools, public works, and capital projects.
Despite unanimous approval by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Sheila Noll and Thomas Shepperd questioned the transparency of the process. Doug Holroyd suggested that supervisors’ perception of transparency issues might be due to a lapse in memory.
Key adjustments include a 3-cent decrease in the real estate tax rate, now set at 0.74 per $100, and a 10-cent reduction in the personal property tax rate to $3.80 per $100. Local taxes constitute over 90% of the nearly $190 million general fund. Due to actions by the Board of Equalization, real estate tax revenue is projected to decrease by $400,000.
Additionally, the budget entails a $750,000 cut from the general fund allocated to the capital fund, a $140,000 reduction in public works allocation, $50,000 less for emergency communications, and a $160,000 decrease in annual school division funding.
Further, the budget slashes $870,000 from the upcoming Capital Improvement Program, leading to the removal of a kayak launch at New Quarter Park and batting cages at McReynolds Athletic Complex. The acquisition of fire department apparatus, originally slated for $750,000, has been postponed until fiscal year 2026.
YCFOIA acknowledges the efforts of Roane, Drewry, and Holroyd and hopes for further cuts to alleviate the tax burden on York County citizens.
During discussions, Board Vice Chair Sheila Noll expressed discontent with the budget process and the magnitude of the property tax reduction, citing concerns about undisclosed negotiations.
Supervisor Wayne Drewry defended the transparency of the budget process and hinted at potential future tax reductions.
Supervisor Doug Holroyd advocated for an additional 5-cent reduction in personal property taxes, highlighting previous statements made during meetings.
Supervisor Thomas Shepperd aligned with Noll’s sentiments, criticizing the lack of openness in the budget formulation.
In response, Board Chairman Stephen Roane proposed holding additional budget work sessions in the future to enhance transparency, acknowledging the time constraints faced during the current process.
YCFOIA concurs and proposes that these meetings incorporate greater public opinion participation.
Vic Shandor
*In June 2023, the previous school board extended Superintendent Shandor’s contract, granting him a substantial pay raise despite it not being due for renewal until 2025. The package, inclusive of benefits, totals around $365,000 annually. Should the current school board terminate his contract, they would be obligated to provide two years’ worth of pay. Considering Superintendent Shandor’s dedication to the school division, a reduction in salary, perhaps by $72,000, could be a meaningful gesture. After all, how much should a superintendent be compensated for engaging in activities like “rock, paper, scissors” with students? See Shandor’s Contract
Mark Bellamy
**Maybe County Administrator Mark Belllamy might consider taking a paycut for the good of the citizen’s of York County too? See Bellamy’s Contract
