In a “State of the Town” address, Booth again accused council of “excessive spending” that will result in “the need to raise taxes and fees.”

Some council members commented on the speech after the meeting, disputing the mayor’s predictions the town is headed for financial trouble.

“Someone...told me the town would have to raise the real estate tax rate this year because the new assessments would be lower and thus reduce revenues. My response was ‘No’....I pledge to our residents here in Kilmarnock that I will not support increasing taxes of any kind,” Booth said.

He commended council for passing incentives for businesses to locate in town, including a 10% reduction in the business license tax, but challenged them to make “even more substantial efforts to stimulate business here in town.”

Booth called town real estate and property taxes “an addition to county taxes” and noted town residents are paying twice. However, he also pointed out the services those taxes provide:

• an effective police department and a “town relatively free of major crime.”

• a “high level of water and sewer service despite past neglect” but with rates he called “burdensome on our citizens. I will not support raising ...rates” and asked council to make the same commitment.

Booth also noted council’s numerous contributions over the past year, including:

• a donation to the Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department to replace the roof on the firehouse.

• a “generous contribution to Rappahannock Community College’s (RCC) new learning center...in Kilmarnock.”

• the opening of Baylor Park and Nature Trail.

The mayor thanked town manager Tom Saunders and his staff “for all their hard work in making these things happen.”

He called Kilmarnock “the hub of the Northern Neck” and “the envy of many surrounding localities” because of “location, aesthetic charm and economic strength.” While he noted disagreements between council members and the mayor are “merely democracy at work,” he again asked members to “show civility...beginning tonight.”

In closing, Booth praised “our town citizens, our taxpayers,” crediting them for making the town great and an honor to serve.

The mayor has repeatedly called for a hold on town utility fees and taxes since he took office in 2010, yet, according to vice mayor William Smith, “...there has been no talk at all about raising taxes. There is no reason to raise taxes next year.”

Referencing the mayor’s charge to stimulate the town’s economy, Smith said the most important measure council could do from an economic development standpoint was in bringing RCC to Kilmarnock.

“We’re in good shape,” said the head of the finance and administration committee. “Meals tax is up, lodging is lagging slightly, but all other revenue streams are on target. I don’t see where we’ve been recklessly spending. Maybe what is ‘reckless’ to one is ‘a wise investment’ to others.”

“The mayor credited council for the $400,000 surplus,” noted member Rebecca Tebbs Nunn. “However, the surplus is due to the fact we have a strong, fiscally responsible town manager. I found the speech dichotomous in that he chastised council for excessive spending on the one hand and on the other praised council for their donations to the college and firehouse.”

One council member gave her outlook of the town’s finances for the coming year.

“This town council has always acted fiscally responsibly with our citizens’ hard-earned money,” said member Mae Umphlett after the meeting. “Council members are town residents also.  As the mayor stated, we do not want nor do we foresee any increase in taxes or water and sewer rates. We had a $1.4 million  net asset increase over the past fiscal year.  We are fortunate to have a trustworty and capable town manger. The town is financially sound even in these bad economic times. Council will continue to keep town residents and their concerns in the forefront of our decision making.”