Richmond City Council has delayed, for the fourth time, making a decision about the city’s long-debated real estate tax rate.
Council President Kristen Nye told VPM News that Monday’s special meeting was canceled due to member availability. Items on the special meeting agenda have now been moved to the council's regular November meeting after Election Day.
Councilors will have to decide between three tax plans:
- keeping the real estate tax rate at $1.20 per $100 of assessed value — among the highest in the region
- reducing taxes by 4 cents to $1.16 per $100 of assessed value
- or a combination of keeping the $1.20 rate and providing tax relief via Mayor Levar Stoney’s RVA Stay program
Stoney previously told VPM News that his tax relief programs are contingent on the current $1.20 rate.
Councilor Reva Trammell — who introduced the real estate tax cut — told VPM News she was surprised to hear about Monday’s last-minute cancellation and believes it will affect votes for her proposal.
“I think I could have had more votes if it had been heard tonight. I think that people have had enough time to get more information, had their questions answered,” Trammell said.
When asked if Stoney’s relief programs could be implemented even if the rate is reduced, Trammell said, “I think we could, because assessments keep going up and up and up.”
Trammell said she still has enough votes in favor of her plan for it to pass.
A spokesperson for Stoney’s office said councilors would need to decide between the plans at their November meeting since real estate tax bills are mailed out 45 days ahead of the Jan. 14 due date. Richmond City Council next meets on Nov. 12.
