VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach City Council members have three weeks until they’re set to vote on next year’s budget.
Tuesday night, council members held the second public hearing on the proposed $2.6 billion budget. Roughly 50 people attended to share their thoughts on the $2.6 billion plan.
The budget proposal is 2.77% higher than last year’s operating budget.
One of the major changes includes a two-cent real estate tax reduction. The rate would drop from 99 cents to 97 cents.
Several speakers say that’s still too high.
“You need to think three to four cents,” one speaker said.
“You are pricing us out of our homes," another echoed.
Other residents fear the tax reduction could harm schools.
“I urge city council to prioritize public schools by reconsidering the proposed tax decrease. Our community’s future depends on is,” one woman said at the podium.
The tax reduction wasn’t the only concern among speakers. Roughly a third of attendees told council members they’d like to see more funding for fine arts.
“The arts mean business for the Virginia Beach economy," one speaker said.
“I just believe that supporting sustainable funding for the arts is investing in our future," said another speaker.
The proposed budget also includes increasing the waste management monthly fee and pay increases for both city and school employees.
Virginia Beach City Council members will vote on the budget on May 14.
To read about the full budget, click here.