04-22-1954 MinutesVIRGINIA: At an adjourned meeting of the
Boamd of Supervisors of Chester-
field County, held at the
Courthouse on April 22, 1954,
at ?:~0 p.m,
Present:
Mr. Irvin G. Homer, Chairman
Mr. H. T. Goyne
Dr. Robt. 0. Gill
Mr. J.p. Guntor
Mr. R.J. }~ritton
~ir. Stanley R. Hague, Jr.
This day the Executive Secretary read a resolution from the Chesterfield Council
of Parent-Teacher Associations, which resolution expressed the fact that they were
unalterably opposed to a cut in the Chesterfield County $ohool budget. Also was
read a resoltuion :'rom the Chester PoT.A. expressing opposition to any reduction
in the budget for the School Board. Came also a delegation of approximately 45
personS,school budget.the majority of whom expressed strong sentiment against any reduction in t~
Mr. Connerly representing the Forest View P.T.A. cited many ways in which the School
Board could improve the School system.
Mrs. Livingstone, citizen from Chester stated the fact that in heropinion most
people would be willing to pay more taxes if it meant better schools. Mr. Ray-
holds, Vice-President of the Ben Air P.T.A. stated that the additional needs now
would be multiplied in the future.
}ir. Ernest G. Bentley, speaking as a citizen at large, stated he had rather see the
budget raised than cut.
Mr. Rose representin~ the ~oad Rock P.T.A. stated the fact that children have to
compete later in life so Chesterfield ohilch, en should be educated in the best
way possible.
Mr. S.T. Wagstaff stated the fact that the farmers were not making expected
profits on farms, that ~uPont and other factories were layin~ off employees, and
raising the question could the County at this time rais~taxes, with conditions
on such an uncertain basis.
Mr. Gary, the newspape~nan from Chester stated that a recent study on his part
showed that Chesterfield is not a high taxed County and that the increase in taxes
is necessary.
Mr. Swanson of the Ben Air P.T.A. averred thattaxes are beside the point schools
must be built and operated. '
Mr. Mason Hayes of the Beulah P.T.A. spoke in opposition to any cut in the $chool
budget.
Mr. ~.I¢. Murphey, Jr. stated that ~hesterfield has a good School t4oard capable of
doing an excellent job and that taxes should be raised this year rather than next
year which is an election year.
Mr. A.T. Foley from Centralia Gardens stated that children- often pattern them-
selves after their teachers, therefore, teachers should not have to suffer due to
monetary loss.
Mr. ~'.D.F. vans from Chester voiced tha opinion that the School budget not be cut.
Mr. Fred Thompson at the l~equest of some of the P.T.A. officials made a short
talk to the effect that the School Board was attempting to do the best job
possible and that the budget was a realistic approach to the problem at hand.
.~im. Stanley Hague attempted to ascertain the feelings of the citizens present in
regard to an auto license tax. There was no poll on this question taken.
On motion of Mr. Gunter, seconded by bit. Britton, it is resolved that this Board
a~journ to a ~udcet session which session will be a Budget Committee meeting.
On motion of Mr. Hague, seconded by ~Ir. Goyne, it is resolved that the Board
reconvene from its Budget Go~nittee meeting for the purpose of discussing the
County Budget.
On motion of ~lr. Go)me, seconded by )~. Hague, it is resolved that the School
Board budget be and the same is hereby approved as submitted.
~r. Gunter made the following motion:
That the rate for the County be set at $~.20 for the Personal Property and Real
Estate and 40¢ for machinery which motion died for the want of a second.
Mr. ~itton made the following motion:
That the rate of the ~ounty be set at $2.15 for Personal Property and Rea~
Estate and 50~ for machinery, which motion died for the want of a second.
Mr. Gunter made the followin~ motion which was seconded by ~r. Hague: Be it
Resolved that the tax rate for the County be increased 10~ which would set the
Real ~state and Personal Property rate at $2.20 per ~100.00 ~er assessed
evaluation and 40~ per $100.00 for assessed evaluation for machinery.
Mr. Goyne offered a substitute motion, that tho rate be set at $2.10 for Personal
Prol~erty a~d Real Estate and 50¢ for machinery, which motion did not receive a
second.
lfhereupon a vote was taken on the originai resolution, those voting #Aye# hr.
Gunter, F~. Hacue, Mr. H~itton and Mr. Homer.
Those voting "Nay., ~r. Gill and Mr. GoFne.
On motion of ~. Goyne0 seconded by Mr. Gunter, it is resolved that th~s Board
request the Highway Department to make a preliminary survey for widening and
straightening Hr. ~18 in [~rmuda Bistrict, from Enon Church to the proposed
entrance ~o the ~11~ed Chemical Company.
On motion, the meetin~ is adjourned to ?:~0 p.m. Apr~l 27, 1~4, at which time
a public hearin~ w£11 be held on the tentative budcet for the year 1~-~.
Executi~e Secretary