Three budget options were on the table when the full Board of Supervisors met to discuss the FY 2002-2003 budget Wednesday, but no decision was made.
Supervisors will meet again Thursday afternoon in Halifax in an effort to seal a budget proposal for their May 6 meeting.
Supervisors hope to set a May 20 public hearing for the budget with June 3 budget adoption date.
Options on the table included a 2-cent real estate tax hike and 85-cent personal property hike that would add a total $2,759,315 to the treasury.
A 2-cent real estate hike would add $444,085 to the budget, and an 85-cent personal property hike would add $2,315,230.
The first budget proposal had included a 4-cent real estate hike, which would add $888,170 to the treasury, and a $1 personal property hike, which would equal $2,723,800 Those increases would add $3,611,970 to the county treasury.
During Wednesday's session, Supervisor Ronnie Vaughan suggested a 4-cent real estate hike and a 50-cent personal property tax increase.
A four-cent real estate tax hike would add $888,170 to the county treasury, with a 50-cent tax personal property tax rate hike that would add $1,361,900.
That proposal would add a total $2,250,070 in county funds, but approximately $500,000 less than the 2-cent real estate and 85-cent personal property hike proposal.
Supervisor Lottie Nunn, as well as several other supervisors, said that constituent calls had questioned the rationale for increasing personal property taxes so much and not real estate.
"Homeowners continue to pay the brunt," said James Edmunds II, Finance Committee chairman.
"In light of the unemployment rate and economic state of the county, we did not have a 10 percent increase (which would equal a 4-cent increase) in real estate," Edmunds added.
"We have consistently had one of the lowest tax rates in the state," said David Martin, chairman of the Board of Supervisors. "The Board is not wasting money.
"A community that doesn't invest in education is going to be a dying community. Our long-term goal is to increase the education ethic, to make school production."
Last year, supervisors recommended a 10 percent real estate tax hike annually until a balanced budget was achieved and a reserve fund re-established.
"Have we cut all we can from our budget?" Supervisor Ronnie Vaughan asked.
Supervisors Edmunds and William Fitzgerald noted the cuts, including school fund cuts, delay of county vehicle replacements and Edmunds Park funding, among others.
Joe Morgan, county administrator said that the mid-level budget was $2.7 million less than the current budget.
Also attending the Wednesday budget session were Superintendent of Schools Dennis Witt, School Board Chairman Steve Anderson and Bill Covington, school financial officer.
School funding is a central issue as supervisors move to balance their own budget.
A $1.5 million cut in school funding requests was discussed by the Finance Committee.
School officials originally sought $13 million in local funding.
New state school funding this year of $1.3 million is estimated in addition to the restoration of over $4 million state funding due to the change in the composite index, according to Morgan.
Supervisor R.E. "Dickie" Abbott noted supervisors had previously paid $3.2 million to schools for an early retirement program for employees.
"In my estimation, part of this (school windfall) money is returning it to the county," added Abbott.
Abbott also said that "anywhere from $800,000 up" would be returned to the county from the Clover Power plant project in the next couple of years.
Morgan explained the return would be due to an ordinance elapse. He said that the ordinance exempted for 10 years certified pollution control equipment.
"That expires in 2005," said Morgan yesterday.
Vaughan asked if there were a reserve fund in the budget.
"There is no surplus fund now," Morgan said.
However about $4 million is expected to return to the county treasury due to the favorable composite index fund, as well as the $1.3 million in additional school state funding.
Supervisors discussed what they would like to see done with school funding during the Wednesday session.
School officials have proposed an average 6 percent pay raise, which would cost $1.2 to $1.8 million.
Some supervisors called for a 3 percent teacher salary increase to keep the system competitive with surrounding areas in recruiting, but called for a freeze on administration salaries.
Supervisor Martin suggested that "because times are tight, maybe we could split the difference on salary increases" from 6 percent to 3 percent.
Supervisor Vaughan suggested cuts in the school system's capital spending, including the repair of the tennis courts.
"I'm concerned that we told the school we wanted to keep (Virgilina Elementary) school open and said we wanted positive things done for schools," said Supervisor Corky Rorrer.
"I hate to see that not happening. This would be one of my top priorities. We have some schools that really need working on. I would like to see that done."
Instruction and construction needs for schools have been named as important by his constituents, Rorrer said.
"I wouldn't want to see us go back on what we said before," he added.
Steve Anderson, School Board chairman, said that the biggest impact from the supervisors' recommendation was the 3 percent salary recommendation.
"We are trying to get salaries competitive. It is a struggle to recruit teachers here," Anderson said.
A discussion on salary splits, with only teachers receiving raises, with teachers and other school personnel receiving raises but not the top administration, followed.
"Teachers are the lion's share of personnel budget," said Witt.
"Education to me is most important" said Supervisor Nunn. "I know people look at schools first thing when coming ..." Nunn also said that supervisors had to make hard decisions.
Witt said that the Halifax system is in the bottom quarter of teachers (pay) in Virginia in every level.
Witt called on the Board of Supervisors and School Board to develop some mutual understanding of what is best for the school system.
But the superintendent reminded supervisors that it is the School Board's decision in allocating funds.
"They must do what is best and right for the school system," added Witt. "They must constitutionally administer the budget.
"Tell us what you feel, what you are willing to support, but I don't think you can be extremely prescriptive in your budget. We need to work together," urged Witt.
The superintendent also said that the School Board has its construction fund that could be used for capital projects or to jump start another school renovation project.
Supervisor Fitzgerald noted the county is trying to attract industry to the area and said that he didn't see it as responsible to cut funding.
"I don't think your budget has a lot of fluff," Edmunds told school officials. "But it is not the particular year to get the increase. We have to get out of the hole first."
"We're still adjusting to all the major changes, so this is a budget seeking some stable basis between revenue and expenditures," Morgan said yesterday. "The public needs to understand we are trying to balance it."
Morgan said that the last couple of years have been unusual because of the dynamics of South Boston's reversion from city status, and the major industrial taxable base that has accrued in the county in recent years.
He also named the impact of the composite index, which was changed to a more favorable number this year.
"I don't know anytime in 25 years that there have been this many significant changes you had to respond to in order to get back into a pattern."
He said that it was "an exceptional set of circumstances county is responding to, not what you expect year in and year out."
Morgan also said that the county has lost a half-million dollars in state revenue because of the state's budget problems.
He said that reflected cuts in both earmarked and non-earmarked funds.
"That is $350,000 for constitutional officers pay and operations, for law enforcement programs, community corrections and juvenile crime control," he said, noting some of the earmarked funds.
The non-earmarked loss was approximately $160,000, the administrator said.
Joyce Willis of the Community Services Board told supervisors that outpatient care services in Halifax County would have to be cut if supervisors cut the proposed $45,000.
"We treat seriously mentally ill," Willis said. "A lot are indigent and this is the safety net. If we have to close outpatient, then people would have no place to go. They will not do well without medication and a psychiatrist," she said.
Supervisor Rorrer told supervisors that locally "we probably get better service for low income people than any other place in the state."
Rorrer said that he works with the agency on a regular basis and wanted to see the county support agency services.

Plans by DuPont to cut 2000 jobs in its DTI textiles and interiors business is not expected to significantly impact Clover Yarns according to John Wayne Irby, plant manager.
Clover Yarns produces synthetic yarn and is a dedicated contractor of DuPont. Its Halifax County work force numbers approximately 225 persons.
"We don't see it as having a large effect on us," said Irby who preferred to blame economic conditions overall for exerting pressures on producers of all types of goods.
Clover Yarns, said Irby, has continued to maintain a fulltime work schedule and only this week, did it begin to rotate a small number of employees on each shift to match work demands.
DuPont Textiles & Interiors (DTI) has said that it will advance its progress toward becoming a more competitive integrated enterprise.
As part of its drive to capitalize on the strength of its newly combined businesses in response to rapidly accelerating industry structural changes, DTI plans to reduce more than 2,000 employees worldwide, or 10 percent of its global work force.
More than two-thirds of the reductions are in manufacturing facilities and offices in the United States, with most of the balance in Europe.
In the United States, DTI plans to shut down its Terathane® manufacturing unit at Niagara Falls, New York, and less competitive portions of the spandex operation at Waynesboro, Virginia.
"These are difficult but necessary actions to position DTI for success in a highly competitive and rapidly consolidating industry," said Richard Goodmanson, DuPont executive vice president and chief operating officer, who is leading DTI.
"We must act quickly and decisively to match our resources with current market realities. We are committed to doing what it takes to capture market opportunities while serving our customers with speed and flexibility," said Goodmanson.
"We do not anticipate a negative impact to our revenue streams as a result of these restructuring actions," Goodmanson added.
"We will support our current revenue base from more competitive facilities. We are primed to grow revenues by capitalizing on our strong global market access, key branded platforms and a robust innovation pipeline targeting the global apparel, interior and textile markets," said Goodmanson.
DuPont expects to achieve annual pre-tax cost savings of about $20 million as a result of these actions, realizing about 30 percent in 2002 and substantially all in 2003.
The company expects to take a one time second quarter charge of 12 to 16 cents per share, with about two-thirds due to employee separation costs, and the balance for asset shutdowns. Since plans are still being finalized, the actual one time charge to earnings will not be available until the end of the second quarter.
DuPont announced in February that it planned to create DTI as a new wholly owned subsidiary and separate it from DuPont by year-end 2003, market conditions permitting.
The company is evaluating a range of separation options, including an Initial Public Offering. DTI includes the nylon fibers, polyester fibers, Lycra® brand fiber and spandex businesses, plus their intermediates and joint ventures.
Current plans call for more than half of the affected employees to leave DuPont by July 31. They can take advantage of transition packages available in their country or region. For example, U.S. employees leaving DuPont will receive a severance package providing them with career transition payments based on length of service, as well as a range of health and dental benefits and educational assistance.
DTI is the largest integrated textile fiber and interiors business in the world, with approximate annual revenue of $6.5 billion and operations in 50 countries. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware,
DTI is comprised of two units, each with subgroups: textiles and interiors including apparel, home, industrial and flooring; and Intermediates including nylon, Terathane® and polyester intermediates, specialties and joint ventures.
DTI brands and trademarks of DuPont include Lycra®, Stainmaster®, Coolmax®, Thermolite®, Supplex®, Antron®, Cordura®, Tactel®, Dacron® and Micromattique®.

Halifax County recorded a 10.9 percent unemployment rate for March, a slight decline from the 11.4 percent rate the month before, according to figures released yesterday by the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC).
A total of 2,193 county residents were looking for work in March, out of a workforce of 20,065.
In comparison, the VEC recorded a 10 percent unemployment rate for Halifax County in March 2001.
Neighboring Mecklenburg and Charlotte counties also experienced slight declines in their March unemployment rates.
Mecklenburg County recorded an 11 percent unemployment rate for March, compared to 12.4 percent for February, while Charlotte County's 7.5 percent rate was slightly lower than its 7.9 percent unemployment rate the month before.
Virginia as a whole saw its unemployment rate drop from 4.3 percent in February to 4 percent in March, with 151,135 people looking for work.

South Boston Town Council continued its examination of the proposed $15,057,950 operating budget for FY 2002-2003 Monday night, with department heads for Planning and Zoning, Public Works, Recreation and Administration answering questions concerning their individual budgets.
Ron Marshall, who heads the Public Works department, answered questions pertaining to his proposed budget of $1,132,321, a one percent decrease over last year.
Marshall cited decreases in budget expenditures for street maintenance and street lighting.
He added that his department has budgeted $20,000 for snow and ice removal, the equivalent, according to Marshall, of one snow/ice storm per year.
Matthew McCargo told council that his budget for 2002-2003 - $179,645 - remains basically the same as last year.
The reason, McCargo explained, was that services offered by his department, primarily at the Armory, had reached a saturation point, with little room for growth at the facility.
McCargo's budget is asking for funds to facilitate temporary restrooms at town parks until permanent facilities are installed.
A public hearing on the proposed 2002-2003 operating budget will be held at council's monthly meeting on May 13.
Town Finance Officer Vandie Saunders ended the Finance Committee agenda by reporting that the town was in "excellent financial shape," except for deficit in the water and sewer fund.
The town had $767,000 in one checking account and the end of February, and $794,000 in another, according to Saunders.
Current Issues Committee
Planning and Zoning administrator Lee Pambid updated council on the Comprehensive Plan for 2002-2022.
The South Boston Planning Commission recommended adoption of the plan at their last meeting, with several changes, including an updated list of town officials and deletion of industries that have shut down since the plan was last updated in 1997.
Under state law, localities are required to update their comprehensive plans every five years.
The plan has also been adjusted to reflect new zoning and population distribution resulting from the recent annexation.
Pambid noted the plan encourages cultural facilities for higher education, development of parks in annexed areas and pursuit of streetscaping and gateway beautification.
The plan also encourages the development of high speed rail and an individual corridor designation through South Boston, as well as addresses the four-laning of U.S. 501 from Halifax to Lynchburg.
The Comprehensive Plan for 2002-2022 will also be the subject of a public hearing at the May 13 council meeting.
2020 Transportation Plan
VDOT and Parsons Transportation have scheduled a public meeting to receive comment on the 2020 Transportation Plan on May 13, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Pambid told council that he hoped to get citizen suggestions on future and current transportation needs for the town at the meeting.
Pambid also hopes to offer more suggestions on alternative forms of transportation during the meeting, such as biking and walking.
Council considered two upcoming vacancies for the IDA at Monday's meeting, as well as an open position on the Library Board.
Appointments to the Southside District Planning Commission and the South Boston Planning Commission were also discussed.
Town Manager Ted Daniel told council that the evaluation period for the town to get out from under a DEQ Consent Order to rehabilitate its sewer system is over at the end of May.
Daniel noted that all parameters at the wastewater treatment plant were within limits for April, and anticipated they would pass muster for another month.

Earlier this season it appeared that the question mark in the Halifax County High School camp was pitching.
These days, though, the question mark is the Comets' hitting.
The Comets managed to produce only four hits Monday night and fell to Amherst County 4-0.
Lefthander Dwight Greene, who has seen only spotty action on the mound this season, held the Lancers to four hits and allowed five walks, one of them an intentional walk, while fanning four batters.
Justin King, who came to the mound in relief in the top of the seventh inning with one out and the bases loaded, gave up two hits.
Three of the Amherst County hits came in the top of the seventh inning with Amherst County leading 1-0.
A two-RBI double by Donnie Sprouse and a run-scoring hit by Allen Harris later in the inning, both off of King, broke the game open and gave the Lancers the four-run cushion.
The Lancers got their first run in the top of the third inning with a walk to Greg Thomas, an error and an infield hit by Sprouse.
Other than those instances, Greene sailed along with little difficulty.
But he got no offensive backing from his teammates as Jason Lloyd's two hits and a hit each from Jonathan Milam and Drew Lewis were all the firepower the Comets could muster.
"Our pitchers are doing a fantastic job," said Comets coach Kelvin Davis.
"We can't expect any more out of them. My big concern has been pitching but now, I don't know. We just need some performance with the bats."
Monday night's loss was the third defeat in the last four games for the Comets who have slipped to 6-4 overall and stand 2-2 in Western Valley District play.
It was the first time that the Comets have been shut out since they lost 4-0 to Lee-Davis in the semifinals of last year's Group AAA State Baseball Tournament.
The Comets, who have produced only eight hits combined in their last two games, face another big test tonight when they face E.C. Glass in a Western Valley District game.
Tonight's contest is a crucial one for the Comets who need the win to stay in contention in the district pennant race.
"Hopefully, we can get things going again before we get to Wednesday night," Davis said.
"What will help them the most is to mentally prepare themselves for every ball game. They know how to hit. Mentally, they've got to come here ready to play baseball."
Halifax County had some potential scoring opportunities Monday night but couldn't cash in on them.
The Comets got a hit from Lloyd with one out in the bottom of the first inning but Lloyd was cut down trying to steal second base.
Casey Owen walked with two out but Chase Hetzell went down on strikes to end the inning.
Trailing 1-0, the Comets got a leadoff single from Lloyd to start the bottom of the fourth inning.
Lloyd moved to second base when Owen grounded out to the pitcher for the first out.
Hetzell walked to put two runners on the sacks and both advanced on a passed ball to get into scoring position.
However, designated hitter Jonathan Barbour struck out and Milam flied out to right field to end the inning and the Comets' threat.
The Comets appeared to have another opportunity in the fifth inning when Lewis kicked off the inning with a base hit.
Amherst County's centerfielder made an error on the play but cut down Lewis at third base as Lewis attempted to get the extra base.
Green struck out for the second out of the inning and Bruce Anderson reached base on an error.
The Lancers retired the side when Brent Long hit into a fielder's choice and Anderson was erased with a forceout at second base.
Milam gave the Comets some hope in the bottom of the seventh inning with an infield hit with one out.
The Comets' final bid ended when Lewis popped up to the second baseman for the second out and Milam was put out at second base when King hit into a fielder's choice.

Mae Rosser Miller

Mae Rosser Miller, 61, of 3125 Dan River Church Road, South Boston, died April 29 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Miller was born in Halifax County on September 15, 1940, the daughter of Edith Rosser and the late Osborne Rosser and was married to Robert Miller. She was a member of Brown Memorial Church of God in Christ.
Survivors include her husband; three sons, Frank Miller of CA, Dale Miller of South Boston and Timothy Miller of CT; three grandchildren; her mother; four sisters, and two brothers.
Funeral services for Mrs. Miller will be held May 3 at 2 p.m. at Brown Memorial Church of God in Christ with Pastor William P. Mosby conducting the service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the church, other times at the home.

Livian Moorefield Wilmoth

Livian Moorefield Wilmoth, 70, of 1033 Flashback Street, Halifax, died April 29 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Wilmoth was born in Halifax County on July 11, 1931, the daughter of Harold Otis Moorefield and Rosa Buntin Moorefield Butler and was married to Harold O. Wilmoth Sr. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Gayle W. Clayton of Roxboro, NC; two sons, Roger D. Wilmoth of Coventry, RI and Ronald Wayne Wilmoth of Halifax; one sister, Margaret W. Snow of South Boston; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; one son, Harold O. Wilmoth Jr.; one grandson, Ron Sterling Wilmoth; and one sister, Lucille M. Reese.
Services for Mrs. Wilmoth will be held May 2 at 2 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Tony Brooks conducting the service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home this evening, May 1 from 7:00 until 8:00, and other times at her home.

Herman Raymond Sydnor

Herman Raymond 'Frog' Sydnor, 59, of 1033 Dudley Road, Halifax died April 28 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Sydnor was born in Halifax County on June 27, 1942, the son of Winston Sydnor and Florine Jennings Sydnor and was married to Agnes Elizabeth Womack Sydnor. He was a member of Brown's Memorial Church of God in Christ.
Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Janice E. Clauden and Olivia E. Sydnor, both of South Boston; three sons, Wesley A. Sydnor of Scottsburg, Wayne J. Sydnor of Stafford and Calvin L. Sydnor of Richmond; three sisters, Mary E. Bird of Nathalie, Ada J. Barksdale of Halifax and Jean D. Stephens of South Boston; two brothers, Willie L. Sydnor of Alexandria and Carl J. Sydnor of Halifax; five grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and one son-in-law.
Funeral services for Mr. Sydnor will be held May 3 at 4 p.m. at Ellis Creek Baptist Church with Elder William Mosby Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Brown's Memorial Church Cemetery.
The family is receiving friends at the home.