DECISION 2023: District 5

The Rappahannock Record is conducting written interviews with candidates in contested races for local office in the November 7 election. The Northumberland board of supervisors candidates for District 5, Gayle H. Sterrett and Charles H. “Chip” Williams IV, were asked the same four questions. Their responses are in alphabetical order and unedited for content.

• As last year’s budget process showed, there are looming concerns with the county budget and affording the basic services without tax increases. What are your thoughts on the budget and the budget process?

Sterrett: All areas of the budget process can be improved. County agencies and the school board must work with supervisors and stakeholders to clearly explain budget requests and demonstrate that county budget items are necessary. Agencies should do everything possible to apply for grant funding and reduce expenses while ensuring that basic services are provided to Northumberland citizens without imposing additional tax burdens. The county budget must be addressed earlier and become more accessible to the public. I believe communication and a collaborative effort earlier in the budget process would help to achieve that goal.

Williams: Review of our county budget is imperative. Over half of the county’s budget is allocated towards the school system, and in my opinion, needs to be scrutinized in order to ensure that waste is minimized. The board needs to ensure that the basic services for our community are met. Both the board of supervisors and the school board are in joint talks to have the budget process and procedures overhauled. This is a step in the right direction. Additionally, a more thorough budget review could enable line items to be redistributed and become more efficient. Communication among everyone involved, including citizens, in the budget and the budget process is critical.  

• What steps would you want the board to take regarding economic development….

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