The "4-Cent" Safety First Plan: A Smarter Path for Caroline
- nicholasjbroughan
- Apr 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Our community is at a crossroads. The current Board of Supervisors has authorized the advertisement of a 6-cent property tax hike (a 10%+ increase). While they claim this is the only way to fund our schools and public safety, a deep dive into the county’s current fiscal data reveals that we can achieve our safety goals and maintain essential services with 33% less tax burden on our residents.
As a resident of Caroline County and a career public safety professional, I believe in Accountability, Accessibility, and Action. We can support our first responders and teachers without the "6-cent sledgehammer."
The "New Energy" Alternative
1. The 4-Cent Solution vs. The 6-Cent Sledgehammer
Current projections show that a 4-cent adjustment (raising the rate to 56 cents) is the precision tool we need.
The Math: A 4-cent increase generates approximately $2.68 Million in new revenue. This fully funds the $1.95 Million required for county-wide salary raises and leaves a significant surplus of over $730,000.
The Result: This surplus is enough to fund 9 new priority positions, covering 100% of the Public Safety requests and critical county maintenance.
The Difference: The Board voted to advertise 6 cents. That extra 2 cents—over $1.3 Million, is for administrative growth that should wait until corporate revenue arrives.
2. The "Essential 9" Positions (The 4-Cent Priority)
My plan utilizes the 4-cent surplus to fund the most critical needs of our county today:
3 New Sheriff’s Deputies: Increasing patrols to keep our neighborhoods safe.
3 New Fire/EMS Personnel: Ensuring emergency medical response is there when you call.
1 Inspections Position: Ensuring our growing infrastructure meets safety codes.
1 Solid Waste Position: Maintaining the cleanliness and efficiency of our county.
1 Parks & Rec Position: Protecting the quality of life for our families and youth.
3. The "Sunset" Guarantee
The 4-cent adjustment should be a bridge, not a permanent fixture. I am advocating for a Sunset Provision: Once Data Center revenue reaches the projected $9.4 Million mark, the property tax rate must legally revert to the 52-cent baseline.
The Bottom Line
On March 31st, a 3-2 vote moved a 6-cent hike forward for advertisement. Supervisor Jeff Black provided the deciding vote. I believe we can fund our heroes and protect our taxpayers at the same time. We don't need a 6-cent hike; we need a Board that prioritizes the front lines over the bureaucracy.
Legal & Data Sources:
Code of Virginia § 15.2-2629 (Public Finance Act)
Caroline County FY2027 Budget Work Session Records
Davenport & Co. Financial Analysis for Caroline County
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