County manager presents first proposed revenue neutral tax rate

If the numbers were correct as of today, Alleghany's tax rate would need to be about 44 cents to maintain a revenue neutral rate. That rate is basically the rate at which the commissioners could maintain current funding levels, taking into consideration the county's revaluated property tax base.

The numbers are based on an estimated tax base of $1,723,881,557, figures that are current estimates. Those figures could change since the county has use applications and appeals set to be heard by the Board of Equalization and Review beginning in April.

"We've still got dozens of use applications that we're reviewing," Adams said Tuesday. "We also have the entire board of Equalization and Review to go through. Value of our property tax base will definitely not increase during that process; it will either remain the same or it will decrease. That 44 cent rate will either remain the same or possibly go up depending on the outcome of the use applications and Board of E and R. It isn't a set in stone rate. The actual rate cannot be determined until the final property tax base is determined."

The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners held its first budget session on Monday night, at which time Adams presented the board with information based on current projections or last year's budget. More accurate budget information will not be available until later this fiscal year, which ends June 30.

The commissioners appeared to be set to be conservative on budget matters, instructing Adams to prepare a budget that does not include a larger increase.

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