County Asking For Citizen Feedback On Upcoming Budget
James City County Administrator, Sandy Wanner will be seeking citizen feedback on potential County service reductions and revenue sources through a series of public meetings scheduled in December. As budget planning continues for the 2011-2012 fiscal years, the County Administrator will review services and programs, revenue opportunities or a combination of both to make up for a projected $5-6 million shortfall.
During the meetings, Wanner will present an overview of current and projected budget scenarios, review potential County reductions and impact on citizens and show revenue options. All local governments have been challenged by decreasing revenues in addition to State and Federal cuts. Typically, local government lags a year or two behind the national economy. “Even though we’ve already reduced spending and cut some services, the tougher years are ahead”, says Wanner. “There is no doubt in my mind that County citizens will see services they have enjoyed over the years reduced or eliminated. That’s why they need to attend these meetings so they can share what is important to them and what they can live without.”
All residents of James City County may attend any of the following meetings which begin at 7 p.m. except for the Roberts District meeting which begins at 7:30 p.m.
December 1 – Jamestown District, Rawls Byrd Elementary School, 112 Laurel Lane
December 2 – Roberts District, James River Elementary School, 8901 Pocahontas Trail
December 7 – Stonehouse District, Toano Middle School, 7817 Richmond Road
December 9 – Powhatan District, Warhill High School, 4615 Opportunity Way
December 10 – Berkeley District, Jamestown High School, 3751 John Tyler Highway
A pre-budget public hearing is scheduled during the Board of Supervisors meeting, January 12, at 7 p.m. The Board of Supervisors will meet in late January for their annual budget retreat to begin preliminary budget discussions and provide guidance to County staff. The County Administrator will release his proposed 2011-2012 budget in April 2010.
