Loss of recreation tops Pittsylvania Co. budget hearing

By John Crane
Danville Register & Bee
Published: March 31, 2008

CHATHAM — About 100 residents packed the general district courtroom here Monday night to sound off on Pittsylvania County’s proposed $176.2 million 2008-09 budget. Most of them showed up to oppose the county’s elimination of recreation from its budget and to request that supervisors establish a recreation advisory board.
The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors held two hearings — one for the county schools’ $94.2 million budget, and the other for the county’s general budget. The school budget is included in the county’s budget. 

Hershel Stone, president of the Pittsylvania County Athletic Complex Coalition, told the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors during a public hearing that thriving athletic programs help mold participating children into productive citizens later in life, and can yield economic benefits. If the county wants to attract industry and jobs, it needs to follow the example of neighboring communities with strong recreation programs, he said.

“Pittsylvania County is competing for jobs and economic development with counties such as Campbell, Halifax and Henry,” Stone read to supervisors in a written statement. “These counties which have parks and recreation departments are beginning to understand the positive effect that strong athletic and recreational programs have on their economic development efforts.”

PCACC members, including Secretary Brenda Bowman, wondered why a budgeted position for an athletic director wasn’t filled. Instead, supervisors awarded $36,500 in funds to sports leagues in three districts in February. 
Board Chairman Coy Harville said the county spent about $18,000 for recreation in 2005, and $20,399 in 2006. So far, the county has spent $38,855 on recreation in 2007-08, Harville said. 

However, numerous attendees complained of too many taxes, including an increase in the real-estate tax rate — from 50 cents per $100 of assessed value to 53 cents per $100. In addition, the county wants to increase the tax rate for generating equipment by 5 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Patricia Hylton, a county employee, protested the proposed increase in the tax rate, and said single mothers, retirees and others are struggling enough economically with rising energy prices. Also, the county will have to raise real estate tax rates another 18 cents per $100 in assessed value in 2009-2010 to pay off the $70 million high-school renovation bond, she pointed out.

“The people do not need this added burden,” Hylton said.

As for the school budget, Pittsylvania County ranks 131st out of 132 school districts in the state in education funding, including teacher pay, said Laurie Moran, president of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce.
“With a growing national shortfall of qualified teachers, our region must be competitive in attracting the best and brightest educators for our students,” Moran said. 

Contact John R. Crane at or 434-791-7987.