Bedford city

Bedford City officials approved a budget for FY 2011 that keeps real estate taxes at current levels. However, homeowners can expect to pay more because property assessments have risen about 4.5% over last year.

Read more in The Lynchburg News & Advance....

Assessed property values in the city of Bedford are increasing by about 4.75% over 2006 values, according to Wingate Appraisal Services. Reassessed land values, which become effective July 1, were mailed to city property owners in late April.

The new property values would inject more tax revenue into the city’s proposed 2010-11 budget if current tax rates stay the same. The current real estate tax rate is 86 cents per $100 of assessed value.

MapTech Inc., Virginia’s Region 2000, the City of Lynchburg, and Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality are working on a plan to clean up local waterways, and they are looking for help from everyday citizens.

The plan will be based on a December 2007 assessment by the Environmental Protection Agency that spelled out the volume of bacteria the James River and six of its tributaries could contain and still be safe for recreation, known as the Total Maximum Daily Load, or TMDL. Studies have shown that the James, as well as Ivy Creek, Fishing Creek, Blackwater Creek, Tomahawk Creek, Burton Creek and Judith Creek contain bacteria levels higher that the TMDL.

Organizers are forming working groups comprised of citizens and officials. The groups will study particular problems in depth, and propose solutions. 

Homeowners -- and their property values -- benefit from clean waterways. Not only is clean drinking water a necessity, but sparkling waterways are a great recreational resource that draws prospective buyers.

Read more in The Lynchburg News & Advance....

Verizon is challenging the assessed value of its property in Virginia. If the move is successful, the telecommunications giant would pay about $500,000 less in taxes in the Lynchburg region.

If its property assessments are lowered, the company will ask for refunds on its 2009 property taxes. A public hearing on the matter will be held in March 2011.

Losing such a significant source of tax revenue would force localities to make up the difference by cutting services or raising money in other areas. Homeowners could see higher taxes and fees as a result.

Read more in the Lynchburgh News & Advance....

According to the Altavista Journal, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources will hold a public information hearing Tuesday, Feb. 16, at town hall at 6 p.m. The community is invited to hear the presentations, ask questions and offer input. Comments from the February meeting will be presented to two Virginia Department of Historic Resources boards on March 18. The proposed district takes in about 50 buildings in the heart of downtown, including commercial properties, government and churches, but no single-family residences.  Buildings have to be 50 years old and retain some historical character. A major benefit of the designations would be that contributing properties in the district would be eligible for historic rehabilitation tax credits from the state and federal governments. The designations would not impose restrictions on property owners.

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