L
ynchburg City Council met for several hours on Tuesday night, with taxes being a major point of contention. With the budget needing to be passed by July 1, time is running out. The council has yet to set a real estate tax rate, and four different rates are on the table: $0.89 per $100, $0.86 per $100, $0.83 per $100, and $0.767 per $100.

    The 89-cent rate would allow for no service reductions, funding $2.5 million for a cost-of-living adjustment and public safety pay progression, $2.7 million for Lynchburg City Schools with a 3% increase for staff, and $500,000 for the elderly and Disabled Relief Program.

    In contrast, the 86-cent rate would eliminate the proposed increase to the Elderly and Disabled Tax Relief program, resulting in revenue reduction of about $1.1 million. This rate would also allow for staffing to remain the same but would require cuts to various departments.

    The 83-cent rate would result in a revenue reduction of about $3.8 million, leading to position reductions and cuts in multiple departments. The 76.7 cent rate would lead to significant cuts and revenue reductions, including eliminating funding for Lynchburg City Schools' increase.

    Council members also addressed public comments from citizens, with some expressing frustration over the lack of compromise and collaboration. Councilwoman Stephanie Reed emphasized that threats towards city officials will not be tolerated. New Lynchburg School Board members were appointed during the meeting, including Rev. Nigel Alleyne, Myke Barron, Jibri Poe, and Dr. Brenda Farmer.