The city council finally had the first vote on a budget tonight.  The agreed upon tax rate is going to be $0.56 per $100 of assessed value ($90 per year for a $300k home).  The budget process still requires one more vote in 2 weeks. 

At this rate, city workers aren’t going to get raises, and some spots will remain unfilled, or the positions will go away.  At least one full time transitions back to part time, and benefits take a cut.  Outside agencies aren’t safe either, they are going to get cut, but are in line for an even bigger cut next year.  This budget leans the city budget from last year, so expect to either see efficiencies, or reduction in services.  They also are using $400k from the reserve fund to feed outside agencies this year, and sending them notice that next year they too will need to make up that additional lost revenue.

More city council meeting notes at InTheBurg.

Mark your calendars – according to an informational email from the VRE, next Thursday “the Governor will hold a town hall meeting in Fredericksburg to discuss funding of public transportation from 7pm – 8:30pm at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center Ballroom (1119 Hanover St).”

Apparently we will be able to share our views on transportation… so, get your views in order.  Make some up if you have to.

Local media reports that a 17 year old boy with a Maryland church group drowned in the Rappahannock River today about 2:30.

Stafford County and City of Fredericksburg officials are searching the river for his body.

Keith Epps at the Free Lance-Star reports that Officer Todd Bahr was killed by a suspect late last night with one shot to the head.  The suspect then later turned the gun on himself after a shootout with officers.  Officer Bahr’s body was not found until 15 minutes after the shot.

Wow.

Condolences and sympathy go out for his family.