At their meeting on April 22, the Bedford County Board of Supervisors approved the ordinance setting local tax rates for Fiscal Year 2024-25 as the same as the previous year. The supervisors were able to balance the budget without any proposed changes to existing rates or fees. The real estate tax remains at $.41 per $100 of assessed value and the personal property tax at $2.35 per $100 of assessed value. The motion to approve the tax rates was passed unanimously without public comment.
In other action, the Board held a public hearing in regards to authorizing the Bedford County School Board to proceed with acceptance of General Obligation School bonds totaling $28,687,000 to address the canopy systems at Liberty High School (LHS) and Staunton River High School (SRHS), renovations of the auditoriums at both high schools, and the addition of a gym at Bedford Primary School. The Board heard from several citizens during the public comment period prior to the vote. James Robertson, former owner and president of Robertson Construction presented an option for consideration to repair the canopies at both schools rather than replace at significant savings and encouraged the Board to secure alternate pricing to include that option. Emily Sitzler of Bedford praised the Board for their commitment to the Liberty school zone. The investment in the children shows the community is worth investing in and will improve the quality of life and reduce the need for future government services. Marcus Hill, Chairman of the Bedford County School Board, thanked the Board for considering the funding of the projects and assured the Board the School Board would be vigilant to curtail the cost of the project. Christina Childress, a Bedford county teacher from Goodview, encouraged the Board to approve the projects. Dr. Marc Bergin, superintendent of Bedford County Schools, appreciated the performing arts facilities at each school were included in the project funding to be upgraded. The issuance of the debt will obligate Bedford County to a 20 year repayment of the loan proceeds at 3% interest. The loan amount cannot exceed $28,687,000 and funds can be drawn as need to complete the projects up to the loan amount. The Board did request that two members of the facilities committee collaborate with the school board and be included in their project meetings along with a private citizen volunteer.
