Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 19, 1990 TAG: 9004190781
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
James Harvey, a former councilman, said the city has not cut the tax rate of $1.25 per $100 assessed value in the past three years even though local tax collections - in all tax categories - have exceeded budget estimates by $9 million.
Harvey wants council to establish a policy for reductions in the tax rate, similar to the one recommended by Mayor Noel Taylor in the early 1980s. Taylor suggested lowering the rate 10 cents to $1.25 over six years; council met the goal within five years. Harvey did not make a specific proposal or say how much the rate should be reduced.
Councilman Howard Musser said he also thinks council needs to make it a goal to reduce the rate. The cumulative increase in real estate assessments in the past three years has been the equivalent of 23 cents on the tax rate, he said.
"What you are paying now is equal to a tax rate of $1.48" because of higher assessments, Musser told more than 100 people at a forum for the candidates at High Street Baptist Church.
Because City Manager Robert Herbert did not provide for a tax cut in the proposed budget and the city wants to provide more money for schools, Musser said "maybe we can't do it this year, but we need a plan."
All six candidates for council spoke at the church where Taylor is minister. Earlier in the day, all candidates except the Rev. Cecil McClanahan, an independent, spoke at a Roanoke Kiwanis Club meeting.
All the candidates said they support either a ward or modified ward system for choosing council members.
As Harvey and Musser talked about taxes, William White, the third member of the Democratic ticket in the May 1 election, said his experience on the School Board and other city boards has prepared him for a council seat.
White said his background would be valuable on council because the school budget accounts more than 40 percent of the overall city budget.
"I understand the needs of the schools and the school budget," he said.
White said he is the only candidate who has served on the School Board and none of the current council members has served on the board. He also is a former member of the city's Economic Development Commission and the city's Industrial Revenue Authority.
White said his experience as a partner in a certified public accountant firm also would aid him on council. "I know what it's like to meet a payroll and to run a business."
Councilman James Trout, who is seeking a new term as an independent, cited the success of the city's economic development program and the creation of 1,400 jobs since he became chairman of the city's Economic Development Commission.
If he wins re-election, Trout said he will keep working to attract new businesses and industries. "A strong economic development program provides the tax base to support schools and help ease the tax burden on homeowners," he said.
Trout said he expects more announcements soon on additional businesses moving into the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology, the city's main industrial park off U.S. 460.
Roland Macher, the only Republican candidate, said he will offer a new viewpoint on council if he is elected. Macher said he supports a strong economic-development policy, an expanded tourism program, higher pay for teachers, Explore Park and more tax relief for elderly residents.
McClanahan focused on what he describes as his campaign against the growth of satanic cults and practices in the city and in the nation.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB