The James City County Board of Supervisors will vote Tuesday to adopt the proposed fiscal year 2014 budget, which includes no tax or fee increases and a 3 percent raise for county staff, the first since 2008.
County Administrator Robert Middaugh released his proposed fiscal year 2014 budget in March, which increased 3.1 percent over the fiscal year 2013 budget, to $171.5 million, including $79.3 million –the full amount requested—for Williamsburg-James City County Schools.
An anticipated revenue increase of 3.1 percent is reflected in consumer spending increases, collected from sales, meals and lodging, real estate, personal property and other taxes paid to the county. The revenue increase would cover the budget increase.
A 3 percent raise was budgeted for county employees, as was a 2 percent raise for newer employees in the introductory period, which is either the first six or 12 months of employment depending on the position. A pay scale shift was also programmed in the proposed budget; pay scales would start 2 percent higher and cap at 5.7 percent more. The starting pay increase allows the county to be competitive in the job market. Raising the cap would give employees the same pay relationship they had prior to the Virginia Retirement System 5.7 percent contribution requirement.
The board has held a public hearing and two work sessions on the budget to date. A budget work session was scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday, but budget discussion is not currently listed on the agenda. The board could change the agenda if more discussion is needed.
Additionally, the board will vote to recognize the week of April 21 to 27 as Volunteer Appreciation Week.
It will also consider allowing archery hunting during the designated archery season on 170 acres of a county-owned parcel of land located at 1204 Jolly Pond Road.
The board meets in Building F at 101 Mounts Bay Road. The meetings are open to the public and are also broadcast live on JCC TV on Cox Cable channel 48 and are webcast live on the county’s website. Meetings are rebroadcast on Community Channel 46 at 8 a.m., 2 p.m., and 8 p.m. Thursdays. Archived board meetings and work sessions are also available on the county’s website.
Agenda materials are available online.
