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Time winding down to chime in on Norfolk budget proposal

Norfolk Public Schools would get a cut of a proposed 10-cent real estate tax increase. The average Norfolk homeowner would pay $21 more a month or $252 a year.
Credit: 13News Now

NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- In a little more than a month from now, Norfolk city council will vote on a new budget. In the proposal is a 10-cent real estate tax hike. Parking fees and city employee salaries also could go up.

The school division asked for a $6 million increase over last year. But the city's proposed budget allocation falls short by a million. Norfolk Public Schools would get a cut of the proposed 10-cent real estate tax increase. The average Norfolk homeowner would pay $21 more a month or $252 a year.

13News Now went to homeowners for their take.

"I don't think anyone likes to pay more in taxes. I'm not looking to pay extra, but I think the schools do need some help and I think that would actually end up raising property values," said David Smith.

For older adults on a fixed income, the idea of increasing real estate taxes is a harder pill to swallow.

"I don't think they should tax the homeowners because the economy is real high," said Carolyn Patterson.

Part of the proposed real estate tax increase would fund salary boosts, redevelopment initiatives, and technology. The budget proposal also calls for a fee increase which would earn the city $3 million in revenue. That could raise the cost of items like zoo admission, recreation, and parking.

In a statement to 13News Now, Norfolk Public Schools said the following:

"Norfolk Public Schools has presented a budget that is fiscally sound and we sincerely hope that it is fully funded. As NPS continues its turnaround effort we know that addressing pay equity and ensuring that we remain focused on literacy, leadership, rigor and innovation, we will continue to see great gains in the district. We trust that the Mayor and City Council will consider the comments from the public and look forward to their final decision. "

The budget goes up for a vote on May 22. For more on the breakdown and how to make your voice heard, you can visit the City of Norfolk's website.

City of Norfolk's proposed fiscal year 2019 budget by 13News Now on Scribd

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