Emotions run high during budget public hearing in Northumberland

Rev. Dr. Linwood Blizzard II, high school calculus teacher, encouraged the board “to provide equitable pay” for teacher retention and recruitment. “We are building the next generation of leaders. If we cannot attract those who can train those students, we’re going to have a problem, both in the county and in the nation.”

by Jackie Nunnery

HEATHSVILLE—The Northumberland board of supervisors packed the courthouse Thursday, May 13, for public hearings on the proposed county and school budgets for the 2021-22 fiscal year.

Most of the 22 citizens who spoke commented on the proposed school budget of $20,297,120, a 9% increase from the previous year.  Requested county funds of $13,865,629 represent a 12.7% increase over the current budget. This increase is primarily meant to pay for a boost in teaching salaries, but also covers an elementary computer literacy teacher, a talented and gifted teacher and an athletic/events director.

The county budget of $43,039,012 includes revenues of $35,539,012, up $770,151 or 2.2% over last year. This is based largely on a proposed $0.61 per $100 real estate tax rate, a $0.02 per $100 increase. All other tax rates are proposed to stay….[to-view-more]